the goan I network
MARGAO
The demand for a fire station at Cuncolim grew stronger after a raging fire gutted yet another residential house at Demani-Cuncolim late last night, destroying property worth around Rs two lakh.
The incident occurred on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday when fire broke out in the house of D Coutinho. After the owner spotted the fire, she immediately switched on the water pump and rushed out to alert the neighbours. The owner and the neighbours tried to put off the fire before they were joined in the by the fire brigade.
The owner of the house told the media that most of the household items, including a TV, were all gutted in the fire, resulting in a loss of Rs two lakh.
Residents of Cuncolim have been demanding a full-fledged fire station since it takes around 45 minutes for a Margao fire brigade tender to reach the town, especially during peak hours.
The demand was felt given that the town plays host to an industrial estate, which had in the past hit the headlines for explosions.
Those supporting the setting up of a fire station at Cuncolim town were of the opinion that the fire station could have served even Salcete’s coastal belt, the Cavelossim-Orlim belt, instead of relying on the Margao fire station.
Says a local resident, Vishal Desai: “A number of fire accidents have taken place in Cuncolim in recent times and what we have observed is that valuable property would have been saved if the fire brigade had to reach quickly at the spot. We feel that a fire station at Cuncolim will not only help quick attendance of fire calls, but also cater to neighbouring villages.”
While ex-Cuncolim MLA Rajan Naik had made a forceful demand for a fire station at Cuncolim during his tenure, it is yet to take shape.
Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias has also pitched in for a fire station. The MLA pointed out that he had raised the issue twice in the Assembly after he became MLA of Cuncolim constituency.
“Last time round, I along with Leader of the Opposition Babu Kavlekar from neighbouring Quepem constituency had called on Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who had assured to look into the issue,” Clafacio said, adding that he would take up the matter in the ensuing session of the Legislative Assembly again.
