Garbage dump catches fire near Cuncolim IDC; blaze doused

NT Reporter

Margao

A heap of garbage dumped in an open area near the Cuncolim industrial estate caught fire on Saturday morning, prompting a response from fire personnel who managed to bring the blaze under control.

Officials from the Cuncolim fire station rushed to the spot after receiving a call about the fire near the industrial area.

Fire officer Abhay Lolienkar said the site was an open space where various types of waste had been dumped.

“When we reached the spot, we saw that it was an open area filled with waste from hotels and industries. There was a large amount of plastic and sponge material dumped there, and the entire area was filled with smoke,”
he said.

According to the fire department, although significant quantities of water were used to control the blaze, garbage fires involving plastic and similar materials are difficult to completely extinguish with water alone.

“Because plastic waste remains at the bottom, such fires tend to reignite after some time. We have asked for mud to be put on top of the waste to completely suppress the fire. Otherwise, it would require a large amount of water,” Lolienkar said.

Local residents expressed concern over the dumping of waste in the area and warned that the fire could pose a threat to nearby forest land if such incidents continue.

A resident, Aviraj Dessai, who was present at the site, said the fire brigade responded promptly after being alerted by locals. However, he said that large quantities of waste, including plastic, sponge material and food waste from hotels, had been dumped at the location.

He also questioned why garbage was being disposed of in the open when the region has a garbage treatment facility. Dessai appealed to the authorities to investigate the dumping and take action against those responsible.