SANGUEM
The fire involving chemical and industrial waste at the abandoned laterite stone quarry in the remote Chanimol ward of Kalay-Sanguem continued to rage for a second day on Sunday, prompting sustained efforts by authorities to contain the flames and curb the spread of toxic fumes that locals fear could endanger public health.
The situation has escalated as thick smoke and a strong chemical odour have reportedly spread to neighbouring areas, including Costi, where residents have begun complaining of breathing discomfort and irritation.
Given the uncertain composition of the waste dump, high-ranking officials, including Deputy Collector Milind Velip, Mamlatdar Siddharth Prabhu, and personnel from the Fire Department, Health Services, Police, and the Goa State Pollution Control Board, remain stationed at the site to monitor and manage the situation.
The Goa State Pollution Control Board has deployed monitoring equipment to assess air quality and pollution levels in the vicinity of the blaze.
As a precautionary measure, residents living in the vicinity have been evacuated
for a second consecutive day due to the intense fumes. Villagers have voiced serious concerns about potential health risks, particularly for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
To control the fire and suppress the spread of smoke, authorities have deployed JCB machines to cover burning waste with layers of mud. However, the fire continues to smoulder, raising fears of long-term environmental and health impacts.
The incident has also brought to light the illegal dumping of hazardous waste in at least two other abandoned laterite stone quarries in the area. Villagers are demanding a thorough investigation into the companies and individuals responsible for the unauthorised disposal of chemical waste in residential areas.
There is also mounting pressure for immediate action against the registered owners of the quarries being misused for such activities.
Adding to the outrage, labels on the burnt waste suggest the materials originated from the Verna Industrial Estate, though authorities have yet to trace the individuals responsible for transporting and dumping the materials without approval.
Amar Naik, a resident of Costi, expressed alarm over the potential long-term health effects on children exposed to the toxic fumes. “We’re really worried about our kids. Authorities must inform us what exactly has been dumped here so we can take precautions,” he said, also calling for health checks for all affected residents.
As the fire shows no signs of abating, villagers are urging immediate medical screening and a full public disclosure of the chemicals involved to safeguard the community.
