Personnel of the Valpoi Fire and Emergency Services were seen extinguishing the blaze along the Goa-Belagavi highway.
A fire broke out suddenly on Wednesday in garbage dumped by unidentified persons within Goa limits along the Goa-Belagavi highway in the Chorla Ghat area, causing damage to natural resources.
The Valpoi Fire and Emergency Services successfully brought the fire under control and prevented a major disaster. Otherwise, there was a possibility of the fire spreading extensively across the hilly terrain.
According to information, incidents of unidentified persons dumping garbage at several locations in the hilly areas of Chorla Ghat within Goa territory have been on the rise.
The entire region falls under the jurisdiction of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, and dumping garbage in the area is a punishable offence. Despite repeated complaints and requests to the concerned authorities, such activities continue unchecked.
Some motorists travelling along the highway reportedly discard large quantities of waste along the roadside, especially plastic materials. This has been posing a serious threat to the environment and causing damage to natural resources.
On Wednesday afternoon, the dumped garbage in the hilly region within Goa limits suddenly caught fire. Forest officials of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary range had received information about smoke emerging from the area since morning.
Due to strong winds, the flames spread to nearby areas, resulting in damage to natural vegetation and resources. The Forest Department initially attempted to extinguish the blaze but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the Valpoi Fire and Emergency Services personnel were called to the spot. The fire brigade rushed to the location and managed to control the fire.
Forest Officer Girish Bailudkar stated that despite repeated awareness campaigns and installation of warning signboards, some individuals continue to dump garbage along the roadside.
Expressing concern and disappointment over the continued occurrence of such incidents, he emphasised that the environment is an extremely important component of human life and damage to it can have serious consequences on society as well.
Citizens and environmental activists have demanded the installation of CCTV cameras along the highway, stating that some people are taking advantage of the dense forest cover to dump garbage illegally.
They warned that such incidents may increase further in the future if strict monitoring measures are not implemented.
