BLAZING EFFORTPANAJI: The Fire and Emergency Services which played a pivotal role in fighting the fire at the Sonsodo garbage dump has utilized over 11 lakh litres of water in its fire-fighting effort.
>> A total of 345 fire officials were deployed in shifts in nine days from May 27 to June 5
>> Midway, some 600 trucks of mud and debris was also used to douse the flames
>> The administration has finally managed to successfully put off the fire now
Midway into the effort, following technical inputs from the Maharashtra fire chief, some 600 trucks of mud and debris was also used to douse the flames.
“A total of 345 fire officials were deployed in shifts in these nine days from May 27 to June 5,” said Nitin Raikar, deputy director of Fire and Emergency Service, Margao.
Fire started at the Sonsodo garbage dump near Margao, the oldest garbage dump in the state, 10 days ago. The administration has finally managed to successfully put off the fire now.
The government even consulted the director of Maharastra fire services Prabhat Rahangadale to control the fire after days of effort was proving futile. It was finally decided to use a mix of mud, debris and water on his advice. Speaking about the difficulties faced in handling fires at waste dumps, Raikar who monitored the entire fire-fighting exercise said fires at garbage dumps and scrapyards emit various types of harmful gases like Ammonia which come out from the fire and throwing just water may more harmful.
"A reaction of these harmful gases with water can potentially cause unimaginable damage, environmentally and also to humans in the area," Raikar added.
Pollution levels in the vicinity of the Sonsodo garbage dump had shot up multiple fold and residents in the surrounding areas were adversely affected. Children were particularly affected and several families relocated them at homes of relatives elsewhere as high levels of toxic smoke which had engulfed large areas had begun causing respiratory difficulties for them.
