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Policy Brief: Developing power sector resilience to extreme weather events in coastal areas

This document outlines Odisha’s comprehensive approach to strengthening power sector resilience against cyclones and floods.

Conducted by CDRI with the Government of Odisha, the study examines transmission and distribution vulnerabilities, revealing critical risks: 30% of substations are coastal, 75% of distribution lines exceed 30 years of age, and 80% of poles remain highly wind sensitive. The study proposes a replicable framework integrating zonation, exposure, and vulnerability analysis.

Key recommendations include updating building codes, wind zonation maps, and data platforms, along with risk-based governance, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative financing through grants and insurance.

Odisha’s experience, shaped by severe cyclones like Fani, offers a valuable model for coastal regions worldwide, demonstrating how data-driven strategies, collaborative governance, and financial innovation can enhance power infrastructure resilience in disaster-prone areas.

Key points

  • Odisha’s study assesses coastal substations' cyclone vulnerability, highlighting infrastructure risks.
  • Old distribution lines and wind-sensitive poles threaten power network stability.
  • Cyclone and flood zonation, exposure analysis guide resilience-enhancing strategies.
  • Updated building codes, wind maps, anemometers improve disaster preparedness.
  • Risk-based governance, sectoral collaboration bolster coastal power infrastructure resilience.
  • Emergency response, financing models ensure equitable recovery funding and resilience.
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Alpana Saha 2

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha 

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.