ISMAIL KHAN

1. Name: Ismail Khan.

2. Age: 22 years.

3. Gas affected or contaminated water affected (details): I am not affected by the gas leak but by the contaminated water from the hand pumps near the Carbide factory.

4. Address: At the time of the gas leak we did not live in Bhopal. We now live in Blue Moon Colony, which is very close to the Carbide factory. Before coming here we lived in Indira Nagar.

5. Occupation: I work as a ladies tailor at a shop in Shahjanabad.

6. Life worries (indebtedness, illness in the family, livelihood): We are eight siblings, and I am the eldest. We all live with our parents. All of us suffer from the effects of the contaminated water. When we first came to Blue Moon Colony we did not know about the contaminated water. Now we suffer from stomach pain and burning sensation in the chest. It seems that the stomach is full of gas. We feel very lethargic and tired. It is an effort to go out anywhere.

7. Income and sources of income: I sometimes earn about Rs.50.00 a day and sometimes Rs. 100.00. it depends on the season. During festivals the earning is more, provided iom am well enough to go to work. My father works as a casual labourer and he also contributes to the family income.

8. Compensation amount and how was it utilized: I have not received any compensation, as I am not affected by the gas leak.

9. Deaths of family members, relatives, friends, neighbours, cause of death, date of death: There have been no deaths in the family.

Illness due to disaster: I was not affected by the gas leak.

10. Current Illness (due to gas exposure or exposure to contaminated water): I am not able to breath properly; any strenuous work and I get breathless. My stomach burns all the time. I do not feel like eating anything. My heart burns continuously, I feel tired all the time.

11. Association with organizations: I have been involved with Sambhavna clinic and Rachana didi.

12. Participation in rallies, demonstrations, direct actions, fasts, how many, when was the first time, where was it Bhopal and elsewhere: I have actively participated in many rallies organized in Bhopal. I will be going to a demonstration in Delhi for the first time.

13. Arrests, jail terms, beatings, legal suits: None.

14. Activities (other than participating in protests) for improvement of the condition of survivors: I help out whenever possible when people in my locality need help.

15. Expectations from the padyatra: I go with the hope the government would provide us employment in accordance to our ability. All of us are sick and not able to work properly. The water supply needs to be improved. There is a lot to be done for the people of Bhopal. The government should realize the problems of the people.

16. Worries if any: I go with all enthusiasm. I am not at all afraid. I am sure that the government has to concede to our demands. We will not come back till then.

Ismail Khan.
16th February 2006.