Contents: Preface. 1. The disaster. 2. Past in present. 3. Trail and trial. 4. Living dead. 5. Elusive justice. 6. Columbus. 7. Never again.

On the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, methyl isocyanate gas leaking from Union Carbide’s factory in Bhopal claimed more than 5,000 lives. More than half a million people still suffer the side effects of the exposure to the gas; the soil and groundwater have been contaminated and toxicity has crossed over to the second and third generations. This book describes the criminal negligence, incompetent governance and the apathy towards victims that have made Bhopal a continuing disaster. It gives voice to people’s anguish and is also a testimony to the Centre for Science and Environment’s and Down To Earth’s long engagement with Bhopal. This book argues that India cannot afford to let Bhopal fade from public memory and concludes with a blueprint to avoid a similar tragedy.