Appraisal of Geoenvironmental
threats posed by Indo-Myanmar Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP)
in southern Mizoram, India
Verma Rahul, Malsawmtluanga, Blick John and Lalfakawma
Disaster Advances; Vol. 18(7); 61-67;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/187da061067; (2025)
Abstract
Mizoram, the southernmost of the seven sister States in Northeastern India, shares
borders with Tripura, Assam, Manipur, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Despite its challenging
connectivity to mainland India, the region holds strategic geographic advantages.
The Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) was initiated in 2008
to enhance trade and connectivity between India’s northeastern States and the rest
of the world via the Sittwe port in Myanmar. This project includes the development
of a 100 km highway from Lawngtlai, Mizoram to the Myanmar border and navigable
waterways linking the Kaladan River to inland transport networks. Geologically,
the Kaladan river traverses Oligocene-Miocene sandstones and shales with its course
passing through semi-evergreen and bamboo forests.
The project, however poses significant environmental challenges including large-scale
dredging (2 million cubic meters of sediment), deforestation and altered river nutrient
cycles. Increased soil erosion due to high rainfall (254–350 cm annually) threatens
aquatic biodiversity and navigation. Sustainable mitigation strategies such as silt
traps, riparian vegetation restoration and erosion control using dirt glue polymer
are essential to balance development with ecological preservation. Achieving socio-economic
growth while maintaining environmental equilibrium remains a critical challenge
for the region.
