Thursday's fire at the Sonsodo dry waste shed which consumed valuable baling machines and raised grave concerns about safety protocols, serves as a glaring example of the inefficiencies plaguing waste management at the site. This incident has sparked a necessary debate over the susceptibility of waste management sites to fires and raises important questions about operational shortcomings and potential lapses in accountability.
The fire erupted at approximately 2 am but was only recognized and reported by security personnel stationed at the site much later. By the time the Margao fire brigade arrived, the blaze was raging at multiple locations within the shed. The needle of suspicion points to possible arson rather than a mere accident. Fire officials noted that the electric fittings, which could have indicated a short circuit, remained intact—a fact that only deepens the mystery surrounding the cause of such a widespread blaze.
The flames, fuelled by a large pile of accumulated dry waste, necessitated the deployment of both the Margao and Verna fire brigades, consuming roughly 52,000 litres of water, over the painstaking nine hours to bring the blaze under control. Understandably, these logistical challenges underscore crucial gaps in the infrastructure aimed at managing waste effectively.
The city fathers will have a lot to answer, the prime questions being: Why were the fire safety systems at the site not activated? This is important because fire safety systems have been in discussion every time there has been a fire at Sonsodo, besides being argued when the matter came up in the High Court. Secondly, why have security personnel not been trained in emergency response protocols? With a history of fire incidents in this very location, surely the lessons from the past should have been learnt and the MMC should have installed a more robust response infrastructure. Thirdly, why were operational issues not resolved? Officials are aware of the fact that the waste was piling up because of a shortage of bailing strips and even the breakdown of vehicles transporting waste to Cacora. Operational drawbacks should have been addressed immediately so that hazardous conditions at the site are avoided.
The situation raises ethical questions about municipal responsibility. Margao generates around 15 tons of dry waste per day, much of which comprises plastic. In times of climate change and increased awareness of waste management practices, the council must prioritize effective strategies rather than leaving waste management to chance. Operational and logistical issues must be addressed with urgency to prevent the recurrence of such grave incidents. The repeated fire incidents point to the fact the issue has not got the seriousness it deserves.
The onus is now on the authorities—both the Margao Municipal Council and other governing agencies—to conduct a thorough investigation into the fire’s cause and to establish accountability. The suggestions put forth by various stakeholders, including the calls for regular maintenance checks and guarantees of adequate waste management logistical support, should be taken seriously. Ironically, the police are yet to track the miscreants behind the November 2024 fire incident.
The embers of this fire must serve as a catalyst for systemic change rather than a mere incident to be filed away. Margao’s residents deserve better, and it is high time that their safety is prioritized alongside efficient waste management protocols, safeguarding both the environment and the community from future tragedies. The Sonsodo incident is not just another wake-up call; it is an urgent demand for action that cannot be ignored.
