MAPUSA
A strong chemical odour spreading across Camarkhazan, Peddem and Shetya-vaddo in Mapusa late on Wednesday evening caused panic among residents, prompting swift action from local authorities.
Concerned residents reported the unusual smell to the Mapusa fire department and police, who immediately responded to the scene.
Upon investigation, fire officials traced the source of the fumes to an area near the Mapusa sewage treatment plant, where labourers had set garbage on fire.
Local councillor Tarak Arolkar also rushed to the site to assess the situation.
According to fire officials, the burning waste included paint and chemical cans, which led to the release of noxious fumes that spread across the neighbourhood.
Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control, dispersing the fumes and providing much-needed relief to the residents.
Authorities have urged caution in waste disposal and emphasised the need for proper handling of hazardous materials to prevent similar incidents in the future.
