An independent fact-finding team that is probing the February 5 fire at a scrap godown in Mankhurd said that the “informal environment” in which the labourers and workers worked, most without contracts and the ability to demand compensation, is important to take into account and that they have multiple issues to consider while establishing the cause of the fire.

“We need to pay a second visit,” said Bilal Khan of Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan, a member of the fact-finding team. Other members include Advocate Lara Jesani, Shweta Damle (Habitat and Livelihood Welfare Association), Farah Thakur (Vatavaran) and Dr Shaihla Khan (Jan Swasthya Abhiyan). The team visited the ground on Saturday, February 20, to probe the cause, impact of the smoke on people living/working there and violation of labour norms.