the goan I network
PANAJI
Aggrieved with the negligence of the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) and other authorities over the recent Sonsodo fire, Raia youth have written to the South Goa Collector and the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) asking for a probe into the matter.
Alleging that the fire was a scam due to lax authorities who had criminal intent, the youth cited harm to public life and property as a result.
Under the banner ‘Village Youth: Activists and Citizens Forum’, the youth recapped the days of the fire which caused harm to the health of people, and polluted the environment.
They blamed the MMC for their negligent attitude and carelessness while also stating that the effects of the fire could be long-term resulting in deadly illnesses related to cancer, lungs and skin-related illnesses due to the “heterogenous material and carcinogenic substances and toxic gases emanating from the site of the fire.”
The youth have also alleged that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) are a part of the said scam with the MMC as they were only spectators in the entire episode. The youth group has asked for the role of the GSPCB to also be probed.
Seeking an inquiry by a high level committee, the youth have lashed out at elected representatives too, for being hand in glove with the authorities for “selfish gains.”
“The lax attitude in the system of treating the garbage for over a decade by adopting unlawful means and rampant corruption is the root cause of the same,” states the letter.
“The lapse in administration cannot be tolerated claiming it to be a disaster, when the disaster management is at large....The harmful effects are slow and deadly and will take its toll slowly, and nature will have to pay its price,” it further added.
