Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha: Capacity Mapping, Development, and Knowledge Management 
Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha
Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha: Capacity Mapping, Development, and Knowledge Management 

Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha: Capacity Mapping, Development, and Knowledge Management

The report focuses on strengthening Odisha’s power sector resilience against disasters, particularly cyclones and floods. It emphasizes capacity mapping, knowledge management, and systematic training for transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure.  

Odisha’s vulnerability stems from its 480 km coastline and frequent extreme weather events, causing severe damage to power systems. The study identifies gaps such as an ageing workforce, a lack of disaster-trained personnel, and dependency on third parties. 

 Recommendations include a three-stage training plan – short, medium, and long-term – covering policymakers, technical staff, and communities. Strategies involve mock drills, techno-legal training, and knowledge-sharing platforms to mainstream disaster risk reduction into development plans. Case studies from Lao PDR, Peru, France, and Hong Kong illustrate global best practices.  

The report advocates collaborative governance, financial preparedness, and innovative technologies to ensure sustainable, disaster-resilient power infrastructure.

Key points

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. 

Aishwarya Pillai

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. 

Agathe Nougaret –