VALPOI
A major fire broke out in a cashew plantation owned by Sandesh Bhaskar Gadgil at Dhave in Sattari taluka on Thursday. The loss is estimated at around Rs 1.5 lakh.
The fire is suspected to have started at about 1 pm. Workers had been in the plantation during the morning. When they returned after lunch at around 2.30 pm, they saw flames spreading and informed Gadgil.
Gadgil contacted the Valpoi Fire and Emergency Services. Firefighters rushed to the spot and, with help from the workers, began operations. After continuous efforts, the blaze was brought under control.
Around 250 cashew trees were destroyed, including fruit-bearing trees as well as young plants. This has caused heavy financial loss to the farmer.
Gadgil suspects the fire may have been set deliberately. He said there are no electricity lines in the area, making an electrical fault unlikely. He has demanded a detailed investigation.
