IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT

West Bengal's Bhanga Mela (scrap fair) has pushed the limits of recycling. Organised every January at Mathurapur village in 24 South Parganas district, shops at the fair sell discarded electronic items, antiques and even non-functional goods that are in repairable condition.

- SUBHAJIT NASKAR

In 2024, the fair had some 1,000 stalls selling scrapped computers, televisions, radios, phones, vintage cameras, musical instruments, bicycles, furniture and clocks. "The month-long event provides an opportunity to individuals who may not have the means to purchase new items to indulge in a semblance of luxury," says Ezazul, a seller.

Most of the sellers are residents of Mathurapur and nearby villages, who collect scrapped items through the year and store them in their houses for sale at the fair. For the duration of the fair, they set up makeshift stalls that work as their living space, storage area as well as shop. The income generated not only sustains their livelihood, but also caters to essential expenses such as funding marriages and maintaining homes.