by RVNL’s Negligence Blocks Fire Brigade Access, Heritage House in Velsao Gutted
Velsao, Goa | 24th August 2025 – A sleepy Sunday afternoon turned into a nightmare for the Coelho family of Velsao when a devastating fire engulfed their ancestral home. Despite the quick response of the Verna Fire Brigade, the flames raged on for nearly an hour due to shocking negligence by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), whose unfinished construction work blocked the only direct access to the site.
The blaze broke out at the heritage residence of Dr. Sanjay Coelho, prompting local Panch Francisco Braganza to urgently call the Fire Brigade. In the crucial minutes before their arrival, it was Goa Congress State Treasurer, Mr. Orville Dourado Rodrigues, along with his resort staff and several brave villagers, who rushed with portable firefighting equipment to battle the raging inferno. Their valiant effort managed to contain the flames until fire services could intervene.
However, the tragedy was compounded by RVNL’s reckless actions. The fire tender, stationed barely 100 meters away on the South Western Railway tracks, was unable to access the burning home after the railway contractor demolished a century-old motorable culvert – a Right of Way used since the 1890s. Despite repeated representations and complaints, the culvert was left unfinished, forcing the fire brigade to take a 45-minute detour via Cansaulim and Arossim.
By the time the engines arrived, one section of the tiled roof was reduced to ashes, along with priceless antique furniture and heirlooms. A visibly shaken Dr. Coelho, watching his ancestral heritage crumble, broke down and squarely blamed South Western Railways and RVNL for his family’s loss.
“This disaster could have been avoided. I had even lodged a complaint with Verna Police against RVNL for dumping mud in front of my home, but no action was taken. Today, my heritage is lost,” said Dr. Coelho with tears in his eyes.
Amid the sorrow, gratitude was extended to the villagers, particularly Mr. Rodrigues, whose timely intervention saved a major portion of the house from being completely destroyed.
To add insult to injury, while assessing the damage, the Coelho family made another shocking discovery – their home had been broken into during the chaos, with burglars taking advantage of the fire. Priceless articles and valuables were reported missing, and the Goa Police immediately began panchanama proceedings.
Calling for urgent action, Mr. Rodrigues appealed to the authorities to conduct strict tenant verification drives in the area, warning that anti-social elements may have infiltrated the quiet, elderly-populated village.
This tragic incident stands as a glaring reminder of the cost of negligence and the urgent need for accountability from government agencies entrusted with public infrastructure.
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