the goan I network
MARGAO
Even as Monday will mark a week since a massive fire engulfed the Sonsodo waste dumping site, with the smoke emanating from the dump posing nuisance and a health hazard to the residents, the authorities claim that around 70 per cent of the dump has been capped with mud till Sunday evening.
Additional District Collector, Agnelo Fernandes, who is monitoring the fire and smoke capping operation since the last two days, said around 70 per cent the site has been caped till Sunday evening, exuding confidence of capping the smoke by
Monday evening.
“The fire fighters have managed to douse the fire. Now the operation is concentrated on capping the smoke with mud. We have covered around 70 per cent of the site and the remaining area will be capped by Monday,” Agnelo told the media at the site on Sunday after agitated residents of Curtorim directed their ire at him over the sorry state of affairs and exposing them to toxic smoke.
He said the ongoing operation will continue late Sunday night and before resuming again on Monday morning.
Asked to comment on the demand by the residents that they will not allow unsegregated waste to come at the site, the Additional Collector said he would convey the demand and the sentiments of the people to the Margao Municipal Council administration.
He pointed out that the 108 ambulance had checked two persons near Sonsodo, who had complained of some problems, but the medical team have certified no health issues. He also recalled that the administration had evacuated 38 persons to the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Friday night and were provided with basic amenities including shelter, food and breakfast.
“We’re monitoring the situation. Right now, focus is to cap the site of smoke and give relief to people,” he added.
