This RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River sheds light on a river in crisis, right here in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. Despite the government pouring over ₹1 crore into rejuvenating the Lohandi under schemes like the Namami Gange Mission, the river continues to receive untreated industrial waste and sewage, undermining the very purpose of that investment. Filed by local RTI activist Yogi M. P. Singh, this RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River seeks to uncover who is responsible for the renovation’s failure and why polluting industries continue to operate unchecked. What follows is a closer look at the pollution itself, the silence of local authorities, and the concrete steps citizens can take — from filing their own RTIs to escalating the matter before the National Green Tribunal.

RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River: A River Betrayed by Pollution and Bureaucracy

Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh – This RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River brings fresh attention to a waterway in crisis. The Lohandi River, a vital channel flowing through Mirzapur, continues to suffer despite a significant government investment of over ₹1 crore (10 million rupees) for its rejuvenation under ambitious schemes like the Namami Gange Mission. As a result, the river remains a dumping ground for industrial waste and sewage, and this glaring failure not only negates the purpose of the costly renovation but also exposes a troubling lack of accountability and transparency within local administration.

A River Drowning in Toxins

The Lohandi, originating from Barkachha Khurd and merging with the Ganga after an 11.38 km journey, is visibly polluted. Particularly near areas like Gyarah Takhwa and Nakhara, the situation is dire:

• Industrial Discharge: A factory is reportedly discharging “chemical-laden” and “poisonous water” directly into the river.
• Sewage Contamination: In addition, dirty water from nearby settlements also flows unchecked into the Lohandi.
• Devastating Impact: Consequently, the water has turned black, is choked with garbage, and emits a foul smell that plagues surrounding areas. More alarmingly, animals are dying after drinking from the river, indicating severe toxicity that poses risks to human health and agriculture.
• Renovation Rendered Useless: Despite efforts in desilting and riverbank strengthening, the continued pollution means the ₹1 crore investment has been effectively wasted. As locals lament, “Leave alone people taking bath at such Ghats, even animals are not seen to quench thirst.”

The Troubling Silence of Authorities

Furthermore, the persistent pollution points to a disturbing lack of action and potential complicity from local authorities:

• Administrative Failure: The absence of enforcement against the polluting company suggests administrative negligence, weak environmental law enforcement, or even “corruption or influence shielding the violators.”
• Meaningless Renovation: Meanwhile, officials like Dilip Kumar, PD (Incharge CDO), claimed the river’s condition “has improved,” yet the reality on the ground tells a different story. Indeed, the renovation proceeded without addressing the root cause of the pollution.
• Unanswered Questions: As a result, key questions remain: Is the polluting company being protected? Have water quality tests been conducted by the District Pollution Control Board? Why aren’t the District Magistrate or Divisional Commissioner taking action?

Seeking Answers: The Power of an RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River

In response, concerned citizen Mr. Yogi M P Singh has taken a crucial step by filing an RTI (Right to Information) application (Registration Number: COMRD/R/2025/60052) to the Commissioner Rural Development and the DDO Mirzapur. This RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River seeks critical information to unravel the mystery behind the river’s continued degradation. Specifically, the RTI seeks critical information covering the following points:

1. Sanctioning Authorities: Who approved the ₹1 crore for renovation?
2. Renovation Proposal: A copy of the proposal submitted to the competent authority.
3. Technical Oversight: Names of technical experts monitoring the project.
4. Precautionary Measures: What steps were taken before renovation to stop further pollution?
5. Pollution Disclosure: Who informed the Chief Development Officer about the factory discharge before the renovation began?
6. Financial Details: Estimates, work booklets, and invoices related to the renovation.

Ultimately, this RTI is vital to bring transparency and hold those responsible accountable for the public funds spent and the environmental damage caused.

What You Can Do: Join the Fight for Lohandi

Above all, the Lohandi River needs your voice. Here’s how you can contribute to its revival:

1. File an RTI: For instance, use Mr. Singh’s RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River as a template to ask similar questions to the State Pollution Control Board and District Magistrate Mirzapur. Ask for inspection reports, details of polluting companies, and monitoring mechanisms.
2. Submit a Grievance: Additionally, lodge a complaint on the Public Grievance Portal. Attach photos, videos, and any documents as evidence of the pollution.
3. Escalate to NGT: Finally, if your grievances and RTIs yield no action, escalate the matter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). This judicial body has the power to enforce environmental norms and protect biodiversity.

Overall, the Lohandi River is not just a water body; it’s a lifeline for the community and its ecosystem. Its plight is a stark reminder of the urgent need for environmental protection and administrative accountability. Let’s ensure the Lohandi flows clean again.

That’s a powerful next step. Since Mirzapur is in Uttar Pradesh, the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zonal Bench (CZB), which is located in Bhopal.

Below, therefore, are the contact details, website link, and a brief guide on how to file a complaint for the Lohandi River pollution case.

⚖️ National Green Tribunal (NGT) – Central Zonal Bench

Notably, the Central Zonal Bench covers environmental matters for states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and others.

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Central Zonal Bench Contact Details (Bhopal)

Particular	Details
Bench	Central Zonal Bench
Address	State Information Commission Bhawan, 3rd Floor, Arera Hills, Bhopal-462011, Madhya Pradesh
Telephone	0755-2578010, 0755-2578011
Registrar (O)	0755-2575680
Registrar Email	ngtczbbho-mp@gov.in

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Official Website Links

• Official NGT Website: https://www.greentribunal.gov.in/
• Central Zone Page: You can find updates, cause lists, and telephone directory for the CZB here: https://www.greentribunal.gov.in/zonal-benches/central-zone

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📝 How to File a Complaint with the NGT (RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River)

Conveniently, the NGT offers an e-filing facility, which is the easiest and most recommended way to submit a complaint. Specifically, the Lohandi River issue falls under environmental damage and violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

1. Choose the Application Type (RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River)

First, you must decide which form to file:

• Form I (Complaint): To register a complaint against the polluting factory and officials for dereliction of duty, without claiming personal monetary compensation. (Fee: ₹1,000)
• Form II (Compensation): Alternatively, to seek compensation or relief for injury, damage, or restitution of the environment (e.g., for the cost of clean-up and damage to animals). (Fee: 1% of the compensation amount claimed)

2. Required Case Details (RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River)

Next, your application must be comprehensive and include:

• Address of the Applicant (Mr. Yogi M P Singh).
• Facts in Brief: The chronology of the pollution, the government’s ₹1 crore renovation, and the continued discharge resulting in animal deaths (as detailed in your RTI description).
• Grounds for Application: Citing violation of the Water Act, 1974, and the failure of government schemes.
• Evidence: Also, attach all supporting documents, including:
  • The original RTI application (COMRD/R/2025/60052).
  • Photographs/Videos of the black, polluted water, garbage, and dead animals.
  • Newspaper clippings or reports confirming the pollution.

3. E-Filing Procedure (RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River)

Then, you can file the case online through the official NGT website:

1. First, visit the NGT website and look for the “e-filing” icon.
2. Then, click on the “Applicant Corner” and sign up as a user (Individual).
3. Next, fill in the petition details, selecting the “Central Zone” as the concerned bench.
4. After that, upload all your supporting documents.
5. Finally, pay the required application fee online.

By pursuing the NGT route, therefore, you are escalating the matter to a specialized judicial body with the authority to impose heavy penalties and issue directives to clean up the river and ensure action against the polluting factory.

In short, this RTI Request on Pollution in Lohandi River is only the first step — sustained public pressure, follow-up RTIs, and NGT escalation together offer the best path toward genuine accountability and a cleaner Lohandi.tability and a cleaner Lohandi.ssue directives to clean up the river and ensure action against the polluting factory.