“Scrapyards are inherently hazardous spaces. They store discarded vehicles, machinery, tyres, plastics, cables, oils and chemicals. When regulated, they operate with clear zoning, fire safety measures, pollution controls and buffer zones. When illegal, as many are in Goa, they become uncontrolled dumps of combustible and toxic material. Fires are no longer rare accidents. They are predictable outcomes. Each blaze releases thick, poisonous smoke that travels far beyond the scrapyard walls, entering homes, schools and fields. The damage does not end when the flames are doused. The toxins linger in the air, soil and water.” Illegal scrapyards have become one of…
