Fire according to ancient Greek philosophy and science is one of the four classical elements along with earth, water and air. Fire has been an important part of human practice and culture since the Lower Paleolithic. Worship or deification of fire is known from various religions as an important part of human survival, culture and development since times immemorial.
In the present age social, cultural, economic and industrial development are immensely dependent on heat provided by fuels the cause fire.
Both natural as well as man-made substances can be made to act as fuels that are able to catch fire, burn and produce heat and smoke.
In modern times we are as dependent on fire as we are on air and water.
However misuse of fire can have devastating consequences, particularly due to irresponsible and uncontrolled impulsive acts that lead to deliberate fires that can cause very serious damage to life, property and environment.
Of late Goa is experiencing numerous tragic incidents of huge fires that were caused either by human activities or due to high temperature prevalent during the day. These fires being very large in magnitude are having a heavy toll on our plantations, forests and wildlife, as controlling and extinguishing them have become a huge challenge requiring large manpower, numerous fire engines and even special fire fighting helicopters.
Why do human beings deliberately indulge in these cruel acts is a matter of grave concern and needs to be carefully investigated.
However and analysis of human behaviour of many Goans seem to give an indication, why people act in carefree, casual, and wreckless manners. For example, look how they just dump the garbage anywhere and anyhow, the way they park their two wheelers and four wheelers, how the drivers overspeed and overtake other vehicles, indulge in drink and drive modes, jump the red lights and engage in heated arguments even for smallest incidents. Many Goans seem to have lost their good sense of discipline, patience, adherence to laws and regulations and above all respect to persons in authority and senior citizens. It’s amply clear that loss of life in ever increasing numbers of accidents or even hefty traffic fines have not been acting as deterrents. Throwing caution to the winds has become a new norm.
These are some of the clear indicators that people are not taking public responsibility and safety of life and protecting the environment seriously and hence may not even think twice, about where they throw cigarette buds or light fires for bushes just for fun and even at times deliberately for taking revenge. The catastrophic result of such irresponsible behaviour is before us, whereby we witness with heavy heart our once dark green hills and forests turning into orange pyres and finally ghostly grey landscapes.
In view of such ghastly occurrences, the need for inculcating true values, respect for rules and regulations and changing our behaviour towards life, natural resources and environment is of paramount importance.
