The 5 MT capacity Ice Plant at Doyang Reservoir, under the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, has remained idle since its commissioning in 2012 due to the lack of essential water and electricity connections.
On February 12, Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan and Deputy Commissioner Wokha Vineet Kumar inspected the facility, uncovering the critical oversight that has led to significant financial losses. Yanthan criticized the absence of these provisions in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and called for immediate corrective measures.
Highlighting the economic impact, Yanthan stated that the plant’s prolonged inactivity has deprived local fishing communities of a vital resource, hindering their livelihoods.
He further noted that years of neglect have damaged or rendered the machinery obsolete, necessitating repairs or replacements before the plant can become operational.
During the Wokha District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting on February 11, the department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources presented a report on the plant’s status. In response, Yanthan urged the department to submit a formal proposal for the facility’s revival. With infrastructure already in place, he stressed the urgency of restoring the plant to fulfill its intended purpose and benefit the district’s fishing industry and economy.