How did your family survive after the gas leak?
I had two shops and six tailors working for me. These were unaffected by the gas leak and helped us rebuild our lives afterwards. But recently, the BJP government demolished one of my shops and forced us to close the other. Since then, the interim relief we have been getting since May 1990 (he produces a grubby pass book as evidence) has seen us through. When the interim relief is stopped in April 1993, I don't know what we will do.

Has your ability to work been affected by MIC?
I can't see as clearly as I used to, which has obstructed my work and left me dependent on my children. One of my sons is working in Surat, and I will send another soon to join him. He could no longer work here because no one in this locality has the money to stitch clothes.

Sunderlal Patwa is responsible for this state of affairs. The lotteries that he popularised have siphoned off a lot of the interim relief money paid to the people. The government gives money with one hand and takes it away with the other.

How much final compensation do you expect to get and what will you do with it?
I don't know how much the government has decided to give us as final compensation, but I believe everyone in this area should be treated alike. J P Nagar was the worst-affected by the gas and all its inhabitants should be paid a fair sum. I plan to use the money we will get to restart my old business. Hopefully, this time, the government will let me lead my life in peace.

Has medical treatment improved your condition?
Not much. Immediately after the gas leak, I felt each breath would be my last. At least, now I can walk to a nearby tea shop. For the last one year, I have been treated for tuberculosis, but feel no better. After the final payment, I plan to visit a private doctor who, I hope, will cure me.