South Goa records increase in cashew plantation fires

Margao: South Goa is witnessing a disturbing trend of cashew plantation fires, with the latest incident reported from Shivsarem, Rivona, on Saturday. Fire services personnel battled for over three hours to control the blaze, with estimated damages of Rs 60,000.

This incident follows a series of similar fires that plagued the district in recent weeks. Earlier this week, cashew plantations at Dumane-Agonda near Karmal Ghat in Canacona were engulfed in flames, resulting in losses of Rs 20,000 to the plantation owner. Firefighters struggled with limited resources as they fought to contain the fire that spread rapidly through dry grass before reaching the cashew trees.

In late Jan, another significant fire in Galgibaga, Canacona, destroyed about 20 mature cashew trees, causing damages estimated at Rs 50,000. Local residents assisted firefighters, who used nearly 4,000 litres of water to extinguish the flames.

While some fires were attributed to carelessly discarded cigarette butts, investigations continue into whether other factors might be contributing to the trend.

With the dry season prevailing, fire department officials have urged plantation owners to implement preventive measures and maintain firebreaks around their properties. The fires come at a particularly damaging time as the harvesting season is on.