Enhancing Risk-informed Decision Making and Early Warning System in Bhutan

Implementing Partner: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Project name: Enhancing risk-informed planning, data-driven decision making and early warning system for disaster-resilient urban infrastructure in Bhutan (Thimphu, Phuntsholing, Samtse)

This project enhances risk-informed urban planning and decision-making across Bhutan’s three major cities — Thimphu, Phuentsholing, and Samtse — by integrating data-driven forecasting, decision-making, and early warning systems for climate and disaster resilient infrastructure.

This proactive approach improves urban services, including stormwater drainage, roads, and open spaces. It reduces residents’ exposure to floods, landslides, and urban heat while promoting climate resilience in the face of unpredictable extreme weather events.

Nodal Government Agency: Ministry of Finance, Bhutan: Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the Municipalities of Thimpu and Phuentsholing, Bhutan

CDRI funding
$ 0
Beneficiaries
0

Impact

1

Real-time early warning and forecasting systems will ensure uninterrupted services for 275,000 urban residents across three cities, including 48% women, 24% youth, and 13% vulnerable individuals (elderly, minors, and persons with disabilities).

2

A total of 75 city planners and professionals, including 18 women, will be equipped with improved management skills and technical expertise in resilient infrastructure planning, utilizing data-driven early warning and forecasting systems.

3

Approximately $101 million worth of critical infrastructure assets across three cities will be safeguarded, while an additional $84 million in annual operational and maintenance costs will be saved from potential future disasters.

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.