The raging industrial fire in Sanguem has cast a dark shadow over people's health in and around the Chanimol ward of Kalay panchayat, exposing a glaring failure of regulatory oversight and accountability. For three successive days, toxic fumes from illegally dumped hazardous waste have threatened lives, especially vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and ailing senior citizens, forcing evacuations and creating panic among residents. This incident is not an isolated event but a stark warning of systemic negligence and the urgent need for stringent action against illegal chemical dumping.
It is reported that the hazardous waste, originating from Verna Industrial Estate, was transported illegally and dumped into empty laterite stone quarries in Chanimol. It is intriguing how such reckless disposal was allowed in the first place. Where were the panchayat members? The fact that the waste remained undetected for months points to a failure of local authorities, especially the Kalay Panchayat, to enforce environmental regulations and monitor illegal activities. Why did the panchayat not investigate or act upon prior complaints about illegal dumping? Was there complicity or simply incompetence? Ensuring the safety of residents is the primary responsibility of local bodies, and their apparent inaction has directly contributed to this disaster.
Picture the extent of this disaster. Three days of firefighting efforts, involving covering the waste with mud and deploying multiple agencies — including the Pollution Control Board, Fire Department, and Police — have failed to contain the fumes. The quality of the air is questionable. The ongoing release of hazardous fumes poses long-term health risks to people and it is worrying because there is no reassuring statement from authorities so far.
Responsibility must be pinpointed. Who authorized the transportation and illegal dumping of chemical waste? Can the responsible companies or individuals be identified and held accountable? The fact that the waste’s origin can be traced to Verna Industrial Estate should facilitate investigations. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of regulatory agencies and whether they have the capacity or willingness to act against environmental violations.
The role of the disaster management team also warrants scrutiny because it has been three days. The failure to contain the fire and fumes suggests a lack of preparedness or coordination. Authorities must clarify whether they possess the expertise and resources to handle such chemical disasters and what measures are in place against future incidents.
The incident exposes a broader issue of the lax oversight of industrial waste disposal in Goa. The illegal dumping in abandoned quarries not only endangers human health but also threatens local biodiversity and wildlife. Villagers have demanded investigations into the companies involved, and this call must be heeded. Environmental agencies should conduct thorough inspections, identify violators, and impose strict penalties, including criminal charges where appropriate.
Public transparency is crucial. Residents deserve full disclosure of the chemicals, health advisories, and ongoing monitoring results. Medical screening for affected residents should be immediate, with long-term health studies initiated to assess potential impacts. The government must also ensure that such incidents are not repeated by strengthening enforcement, increasing surveillance, and promoting environmentally sound waste management practices.
The Sanguem industrial fire is a wake-up call. It underscores the catastrophic consequences of ignoring environmental laws and the failure of local authorities to protect their communities. Immediate action, accountability, and systemic reforms are essential to prevent such disasters in the future. The safety of village residents and the environment cannot be compromised.
