Cortalim MLA Anton Vas.
VASCO
A huge fire at a scrapyard in Verna on Friday afternoon prompted Cortalim MLA Anton Vas to demand an immediate, state-wide crackdown on illegal scrapyards, warning that such unauthorised units pose “grave risks” to surrounding institutions and nearby residents.
Vas, who rushed to the site at Quelossim after receiving a phone call, said he found no clarity on how the scrapyard was functioning or how the fire started.
“I reached here from Vasco the moment I got the call. I tried to understand how the scrapyard caught fire, but there’s no clarity on the existence of this scrapyard in the first place,” he said. “The owners themselves claim they were not present when the incident occurred. This is a very large scrapyard and the fire was massive.”
He said preliminary information indicated that the scrapyard was functioning without approvals.
“I am told the scrapyard was operating without permissions and that the Quelossim panchayat had already sought its demolition. But the PWD and electricity department did not turn up on the day of demolition, leaving the action pending,” Vas said, questioning how such a large facility could continue operations “without anyone’s knowledge.”
Vas also highlighted the unusual activities being carried out within the scrapyard.
“Apart from scrap, people here were rearing hens and even goats. After the fire, they were seen removing them. This entire area has become a jungle, and strict action is needed,” he said.
He added that he had instructed police and other authorities to initiate stringent action and called for an inquiry into the delay in the demolition.
“I will personally follow up to ensure the scrapyard is demolished immediately,” he said.
The MLA noted that the panchayat had repeatedly raised concerns but no firm action had followed. “The land belongs to the communidade, and there is no clarity on how this scrapyard was set up or allowed to operate,” he said.
Vas warned that illegal scrapyards across Goa have become a significant threat.
“These scrapyards operate illegally and endanger institutions, residents and the entire neighbourhood. They are a headache for everyone — from panchayat members to MLAs to ministers and even the Chief Minister,” he said.
“People keep complaining that these units store everything from chemicals to plastic, rubber and industrial waste. They cause pollution, pose safety hazards and don’t have basic fire-fighting measures despite operating on such a large scale without permissions.”
He further criticised the burden placed on government machinery during emergencies.
“These people operate scrapyards illegally and when a fire breaks out, authorities have to struggle and bring in heavy machinery like JCBs. This cannot continue,” he said.
Vas also stated that he would seek details on payments made by the scrapyard. “I will conduct an inquiry into who the owners were paying rent to, so we can get a full picture of this illegal scrapyard and the circumstances leading to the fire,” he added.
