Toxic fumes spread across Kalay village; ambulance stationed for emergency; probe underway
Officials from the Pollution Control Board alongwith the Deputy Collector inspecting the site on Monday.
SANGUEM
A massive fire triggered by illegally dumped industrial and chemical waste in an abandoned laterite stone quarry at Chanimol ward in Kalay village, Sanguem taluka, continued to burn for the third consecutive day on Monday, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.
Fire services, supported by three JCB operators, have managed to douse part of the blaze. However, officials estimate it will take another two to three days to fully extinguish the fire due to the toxic nature of the materials involved.
Preliminary reports suggest that the quarry had been filled with chemical and plastic waste. Authorities suspect that the fire may have been deliberately ignited to make room for additional illegal dumping, with blatant disregard for the hazardous impact on the surrounding communities.
Toxic fumes from the burning waste have spread across Chanimol, Costi, and other areas of Kalay village, leading to severe air pollution. The exact composition of the chemicals involved remains undetermined, with Pollution Control Board officials currently on-site conducting inspections.
Deputy Collector of Sanguem, Milind Velip, is closely monitoring the situation. He confirmed that an ambulance has been stationed in the village to respond to any health emergencies and that his office has made arrangements for evacuation. However, most affected residents have chosen to stay with nearby relatives rather than move to alternate shelters.
Meanwhile, authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the illegal dumping and to determine the ownership of the abandoned quarry.
Firefighters from the Curchorem Fire Station continue to work tirelessly at the site, with JCB machines being used to cover extinguished areas with mud to prevent reignition.
Residents of Kalay are living in fear, concerned about the unknown health consequences of prolonged exposure to the toxic fumes and the long-term environmental damage caused by the blaze.
