Telecommunications Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment and Roadmap Project in Bhutan

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: Telecommunications Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment and Roadmap Project in Bhutan

CDRI, in partnership with national telecom stakeholders and infrastructure providers, is leading the Bhutan Telecommunications Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment and Roadmap Project to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure against natural hazards.

The technical study under this project evaluates risks across Bhutan’s telecom networks, pinpoints resilience gaps, and develops a strategic roadmap tailored to the nation’s mountainous terrain and landlocked geography.

By supporting policy enhancement, infrastructure planning, and capacity building, the project ensures reliable connectivity and emergency communication for both urban and remote communities.

Collaboration:
  • Bhutan Telecom Ltd
Linked by Bhutan's
national fibre network
0 gewogs
Community centers
as digital hubs
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Impact

1

The study will assess weaknesses in Bhutan’s linear fibre and mobile network, informing the design of redundant fibre loops and satellite backups. These measures are crucial to maintaining seamless connectivity amid landslides, earthquakes, and floods.

2

By mapping telecom infrastructure against multi-hazard zones, the study will enable risk-informed site selection for towers and fibre routes. This is crucial for remote and high-altitude areas vulnerable to seismic activity and climate-induced disasters, ensuring resilient connectivity.

3

The study will formulate disaster-specific SOPs, regulatory frameworks, and emergency protocols for Bhutanese telecom providers. It will also enhance coordination among telecom stakeholders and disaster response agencies, ensuring faster post-disaster restoration and improved network resilience across Bhutan.

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

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.