Kundapur: An accidental fire broke out at the Solid Liquid Resource Management (SLRM) unit under Belve Gram Panchayat near Kundapur on the evening of February 11, completely gutting the building and causing losses estimated to run into several lakhs of rupees.
The blaze was noticed after thick smoke began billowing from the SLRM facility, prompting nearby residents to alert gram panchayat members and local volunteers. The unit, meant for processing and managing solid and liquid waste, was soon engulfed in flames.
No casualties were reported, and authorities said a larger disaster was avoided as the facility is located in a relatively deserted area away from dense residential clusters.
Locals attempt to control flames
Kundapur local sources said former gram panchayat president S. Chandrashekar Shetty Surgoli, along with local youths, rushed to the spot and made strenuous efforts to control the fire before the arrival of emergency services.
Water was arranged through a local tanker and used in attempts to contain the spread of the flames. However, due to the presence of accumulated dry waste and combustible materials at the site, the fire spread rapidly through the structure.
Residents said the intensity of the blaze made it difficult to approach the building closely, and firefighting efforts by locals were limited to preventing the fire from spreading beyond the compound.
Fire brigade arrives after structure destroyed
The fire brigade was alerted soon after the incident, and a team arrived from Karkala to tackle the blaze. However, by the time firefighters reached the location, the SLRM unit building had already been completely destroyed.
Fire personnel carried out cooling operations and ensured that no residual flames or hotspots remained that could trigger a secondary fire. The remains of the structure and equipment inside were extensively damaged.
Preliminary assessment indicates that the fire may have been accidental, though the exact cause is yet to be officially confirmed.
Garbage accumulation cited as risk factor
Kundapur former gram panchayat president S. Chandrashekar Shetty alleged that garbage had been accumulating at the SLRM unit for nearly a year without proper disposal, increasing the fire risk.
He said the gram panchayat had written multiple letters to the Zilla Panchayat and the Deputy Commissioner seeking cooperation and intervention to clear the backlog of waste, but no effective action was taken.
According to him, the prolonged storage of mixed dry waste created highly flammable conditions, which may have contributed to the rapid spread and severity of the fire once it started.
Loss to local waste management system
The destruction of the SLRM unit is expected to affect local waste segregation and processing operations handled by the Belve Gram Panchayat. Equipment, stored materials and processing infrastructure inside the building are believed to have been lost in the fire.
Officials are expected to conduct a detailed inspection to assess the financial loss and plan interim arrangements for waste handling in the affected panchayat area.
Investigation and next steps
Kundapur authorities are likely to record statements from gram panchayat representatives and local witnesses as part of the preliminary inquiry. A technical inspection may also be conducted to determine the ignition source and evaluate fire safety gaps at the facility.
Local leaders have renewed their demand for faster clearance of accumulated waste and better infrastructure support for rural SLRM units to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The fire at the Belve SLRM unit highlights the risks associated with prolonged waste accumulation and limited infrastructure support for decentralised garbage management centres. While no injuries were reported, the destruction of the facility has raised concerns over safety and waste handling preparedness in the region.