MARGAO: A small fire at the Sonsoddo garbage dump on Monday afternoon grew into a major inferno creating fear and anxiety in the locality.
The massive fire could not be contained till late evening. Sources said it will take at least eight days for the fire to die down.
Fire tenders from Margao besides Curchorem, Verna and other stations were called to help in the operation. The fire tenders are expected to remain at the Sonsoddo dump site throughtout the night even as Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has begun the work of excavating the dump to contain the fire from within.
Fire Officer Gil Souza said, “We got a call at 1.40 pm. Fire tenders from Margao had to be filled four times to douse the fire but to no avail. Hence, back up fire tenders were called from fire stations of other nearby towns. There are gasses trapped beneath the huge heap of garbage. Hence we can’t say when the fire will be doused.”
He added, “However, smoke from the dump may keep rising for the next several weeks. The solution will be to excavate the dump and release the gasses so that the fire dies down by itself. The smoke may not be contained for one or two weeks or even a month for that matter.”
MMC Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik said, “The reasons for the fire will only be ascertained by the fire services department. Let us wait for the fire department to give their report.” He said they were supposed to cap the dump after monsoons and the dump was to be taken for bioremediation but unfortunately it caught fire. Naik said a police complaint will be lodged if needed.
After receiving information regarding the fire, MMC chairperson Babita Angle reached the site. Angle said, “I haven’t seen a fire like this in the last three years. I informed all of my officials to shut down the high tension wire near the site as the flames were very tall and winds were fanning it more. The residents residing on the side have been asked to vacate for now as the fumes were very choking”.
She added, “There is a fire hydrant of Fomento Green near the plant. They haven’t maintained the same. Since there is a lot of creation of methane from the wet garbage inside the fire may retrieve.”
Local residents allege that the fire was deliberately lit. Borda local, Camilo Barretto said, “The fact that the fire was noticed at 12.30 pm and the fire brigade came at 1.30 pm hints that this fire has been purposefully lit. This dump hasn’t been covered though the last week of the month of May has arrived. The scam here at the dump requires to be inquired and those invovled punished.”
He added, “The Municipal Council in Margao is the worst one now. The Council is fully responsible. The ruling councilors have to bear the expenses, which have been incurred in the incident. We expect the minister to find an immediate solution.”
Margao resident, Vivek Naik said, “The Sonsodo saga continues. With an incident of fire yet again, it reveals how serious this Council is in solving the problem. The foundation stones are just a reminder and a flashback on how enthusiastic all were to rope in the company.”
There are fears that this could affect the health of the people. Former MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho said, “This smoke is cancerous and needs to be stopped immediately. This is a major health hazard.”
Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist, Dr Jorson Fernandes said, “The gasses emitted from the dump are highly toxic containing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Continuous exposure to these gasses may cause serious health problems for the persons.”
Fernandes also expressed the need for segregation of waste and a scientific approach towards the garbage problem and said this should be inculcated in the children.
