VALPOI
Since the first fire broke out at Satre hill on March 4, unprecedented forest fires have continued to wreak havoc in different parts of Sattari taluka and two new forest fires broke out at Sonshi and Koparde since late Friday evening.
On Friday evening, a major fire broke at the Sonshi hill in Honda, prompting locals to alert the Valpoi fire station and a fire tender rushed to the site. A fire tender from Bicholim was also pressed into service and firefighters battled the flames before managing to bring the fire under control late at night.
However, on Saturday afternoon, another fire broke out near the Ajoba Devasthan in Honda area and a fire tender was involved in firefighting operations till late night.
Around the same time, a large fire broke out at the Devsu hill in Koparde.
Locals alerted the forest department and a team headed by Narayan Gawas immediately rushed to the site.
Locals from Koparde offered assistance to forest staff and firefighters, and the joint operations succeeded in bringing the fire under control by about 5 pm. However, some cashew plantations were destroyed in the fire.
“The timely arrival and joint response by the fire, forest and Mamlatdar teams along with the locals helped in bringing the fire under control, else a large number of cashew plantations would have been destroyed downhill,” said local panch Rayaji Sawant.
When contacted, Forest officer Narayana Gawas praised the support and assistance of the Koparde youth in the firefighting operations.
“Like the youth of Morlem, the youth from Koparde were quick to offer their help, which was valuable in bringing the fire under control,” said Gawas.
Meanwhile, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane and Poriem MLA Deviya Rane have also expressed their gratitude to the youth of Koparde.
“Their contribution in helping the government agencies is truly appreciated. Residents of all villages should come forward to offer support as the biological wealth of Sattari taluka is under threat,” said Rane.
“Had the villagers of Koparde area been quick in alerting the forest department of the fire and offering assistance in bringing the fire under control, several cashew plantations would not have been destroyed by the fire at Koparde.”
YOUTH SQUADS TO
AID GOVT TEAMS
With the government machinery stretched in attending to several forest fires in different parts of Sattari since the last eight days, North Goa Collector Mamu Hage has requested locals to form squads and offer assistance to various teams involved in firefighting operations.
Hage has appealed for the formation of squads of about 15 youth in every village, so that these squads can offer support to the government teams on the ground. The forest department has been asked to take the initiative to set up these teams.
