During a recent visit to Avangkhu, I had the opportunity to spend a night in Wazeho and briefly interact with the Manager of the local cement plant. The unit, originally set up by the NSMDC with a modest capacity of 50 tonnes per day (TPD), has long remained defunct due to a combination of operational and economic constraints. Its proposed revival—now with private participation and an enhanced capacity of 100 TPD—signals renewed intent. However, intent alone may not be enough.
At first glance, Wazeho appears well-suited for such an industrial venture. Situated at an elevation of about 4,600 ft and located roughly 217 km from Kohima, it enjoys proximity to the rich limestone deposits of Meluri and Kiphire. This natural advantage, however, is only one piece of a much larger puzzle.
The realities of running a cement plant raise serious questions about the long-term viability of the project in its current form. A 100 TPD unit requires approximately 150 tonnes of limestone daily, along with additives such as gypsum and clay, 20–25 tonnes of coal for kiln operations, substantial power in the range of 600 kVA to 1 MW, and about 25 kilolitres of water per day. These are not insignificant requirements, particularly in a region where logistics and infrastructure remain challenging.
More importantly, the economics of such a plant are increasingly unforgiving. While “mini cement plants” were once considered viable at capacities of 50–100 TPD—especially with older vertical shaft kiln technologies—the industry has evolved. Today, plants typically need to operate at 200 TPD or higher to remain competitive. In this context, reviving a 100 TPD unit risks repeating the very limitations that led to its earlier closure.
Several concerns therefore merit closer scrutiny:
First, the supply chain. Coal is to be sourced from Margherita in Upper Assam and gypsum from Rajasthan—both involving considerable transportation costs. In an industry where margins are often tight, can such input costs be sustained over time?
Second, power reliability. Cement plants are not seasonal enterprises; they are designed to run continuously, 365 days a year. Any disruption in power supply not only halts production but also increases operational costs. Can Wazeho realistically expect an uninterrupted power supply of the required scale?
Third, scalability. If the plant is to have a meaningful economic future, provisions for expanding capacity to at least 200 TPD—or beyond—must be built into its design from the outset. Without this, the project risks becoming obsolete before it even stabilizes.
Finally, environmental considerations cannot be an afterthought. Cement manufacturing is resource-intensive and potentially polluting. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), followed by a robust Environmental Management Plan (EMP), is essential—not only for regulatory compliance but for safeguarding the fragile ecology of the region.
The revival of the Wazeho cement plant is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. It reflects an aspiration for industrial growth and local economic development. But aspirations must be matched with realism. Without addressing the structural challenges of scale, logistics, power, and environmental sustainability, the project may struggle to move beyond good intentions.
K. Haralu
Darogapathar, Dimapur
Saturday, April 25, 2026