Panaji: Several people living in buildings in Taleigao village, on the outskirts of Panaji, were evacuated after dry grass in a paddy field caught fire on Monday, escalating into a major blaze.
A senior official from the Fire and Emergency Services confirmed that at least five fire tenders were rushed to the spot after the minor fire turned into a large-scale incident.
Thick smoke billowing from the flames engulfed the entire Taleigao area. Fire and emergency services personnel asked residents to evacuate their buildings due to potential respiratory issues.
Senior fire officer Ranjit Redkar reported that several snakes and tortoises were found burned in the fire. He said that all possible efforts were being made to control the blaze.
“Someone must have set fire to the dry grass and left. A major fire has broken out since the afternoon. People will certainly face breathing problems,” said Mahesh Patil, former chief of the Goa Pollution Control Board and a resident of one of the affected buildings.
Patil added that firefighting efforts are ongoing, and people are gradually leaving the area while waiting for the situation to be brought under control.
Local resident and Aam Aadmi Party leader Cecille Rodrigues said that such incidents create an uncomfortable living environment for residents.
“Senior citizens, children, and infants are continuously affected due to residential complexes being close to the fields,” she said.
Rodrigues urged the Taleigao panchayat to act against the practice of burning dry grass ahead of paddy cultivation.
“This is a recurring issue, and I have personally raised it at the gram sabha. The panchayat is not serious about resolving the problem,” she added.
