Betul residents protest over warehouse fire probe

Margao: Naqueri-Betul residents gathered outside the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex at Margao on Friday, to protest inadequate action by authorities after last month’s warehouse fire.

Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa led protesters in Margao, frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation into the Hughes Precision ammunition magazine fire on March 21, causing damage of Rs 6 crore. “Despite an FIR, investigations have not resulted in any action against the company. We demand accountability,” said one protester.

Panchayat member Thomasco D’Silva said the panchayat had refused a no objection certificate (NOC) for the warehouse. “Govt gave all permissions to the firm, bypassing the panchayat,” said D'Silva.

The March 21 fire erupted at 11pm in a 71sqm propellant storage facility, causing explosions heard 2-3 km away and widespread panic. Firefighters battled the blaze for 90 minutes, extinguishing it by morning.

After the demonstration, villagers met South Goa collector Egna Cleetus and submitted a memorandum of their demands. “Necessary action will be taken once we get reports from expert agencies involved in the investigation,” said Cleetus.

Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, which operates a small calibre ammunition production facility in Verna Industrial Estate, used the Naqueri site for propellant storage. Villagers vow to protest unless authorities address safety concerns.