RTI for Environmental Issues: Pollution, Mining & Deforestation (2025 Guide)
Environmental degradation affects every citizen — from polluted rivers to illegal mining and deforestation. While laws exist, data is often hidden. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers citizens to access environmental records, demand compliance documents, and expose violations.
When Can RTI Help in Environmental Matters?
- Air & Water Pollution: Access monitoring reports from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
- Industrial Pollution: Demand consent-to-operate and inspection reports of factories.
- Deforestation: Request permissions for tree felling, compensatory afforestation records.
- Mining: Obtain mining leases, environmental clearances, and inspection findings.
- Construction Projects: Get Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports for large projects.
Sample RTI Queries for Environment
- Please provide certified copies of air quality monitoring reports for location ___ from Jan–Jun 2025.
- Please provide copy of consent-to-operate license issued to industry ___ in district ___.
- Please provide details of tree cutting permissions granted in ward/village ___ in year 2024–25.
- Please provide certified copy of environmental clearance granted to mining project ___.
- Please provide compensatory afforestation plan submitted for trees felled under project ___.
Authorities You Can File With
- State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Air, water, and industrial pollution data.
- Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC): EIAs, clearances, deforestation permissions.
- State Forest Departments: Tree cutting approvals, compensatory plantation data.
- Mining Departments: Mining leases, inspection reports, and compliance documents.
RTI gives you the power to access hidden data on pollution, mining, and deforestation. FileMyRTI helps draft precise queries to hold authorities accountable.
FAQs on RTI for Environmental Issues
Q1. Can I get pollution data through RTI?
Yes. You can request certified copies of air/water quality reports and inspection findings from SPCBs.
Q2. Can RTI expose illegal tree cutting?
Yes. You can request records of permissions, compensatory afforestation plans, and related reports.
Q3. Can RTI be used for mining projects?
Yes. Citizens can obtain mining leases, environmental clearances, and compliance reports via RTI.
Q4. What kind of EIA records are available?
You can request certified copies of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports and clearance letters for large projects.
Q5. What if authorities deny access citing exemptions?
You can file a First Appeal within 30 days if records are withheld without valid grounds under Section 8 exemptions.
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