MARGAO
Toxic smoke enveloped the entire area near the SAG grounds, Fatorda, after waste dumped on the land acquired for hockey grounds adjoining the swimming pool was set afire on Monday evening.
Margao fire personnel, who rushed to the spot to undertake firefighting operations, also could not bear the smoke as they struggled to bring the fire under control.
A close look at the ground showed that waste, which appeared to be worn-out jogging track material, had been dumped in the area along with other items. Questions have been raised over the source of the material dumped at the spot.
This is not the first time that the fire services have rushed to the spot to bring the fire under control. A fire personnel pointed out that this is now the third time they have rushed to the site after responding to a call.
While the land in question was acquired for a hockey ground, it soon became a convenient waste dumping ground, first for the Margao Municipal Council to dump green and tree waste and then for unscrupulous elements to dispose of mixed waste.
