Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan, accompanied by Vineet Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, inspected the neglected Ice Plant at Doyang Reservoir on February 12,

The Ice Plant with a 5 MT capacity at Doyang Reservoir, under the Department of Fisheries, has remained non-operational since its commissioning in 2012. The cold storage facility was commissioned to increase fish production and assist fishermen in preserving their catch. Despite its potential to benefit the state, the facility has never been put to use, causing concern among officials. During the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) monthly meeting held on February 11, the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources presented a report regarding the plant’s status. In response, Advisor Yanthan urged the Department of Fisheries to prepare a proposal for restoring the plant.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Yanthan expressed disappointment over the lack of action to operationalize the plant, noting that the facility has been neglected for 13 years. He urged the concerned departments to take swift action to revive the Ice Plant, emphasizing that since the land was purchased and the infrastructure put in place, it should now be made operational.

Speaking to the media during the visit, Yanthan highlighted the reasons behind the plant’s prolonged inactivity. He pointed out that the facility was left idle due to the absence of necessary water and electricity connections. “In the first place, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) should have incorporated these essential provisions, but unfortunately, they were not included. This has resulted in a great loss for the state,” mentioned the Advisor. He called on the concerned departments to take immediate steps to restore the facility and make it operational for the benefit of the state and its people.

With the plant’s machinery being damaged, the Advisor mentioned that many of the machines having become obsolete, highlighting the need to address these issues as soon as possible.