Sonbhadra (सोनभद्र) is a district in southeastern Uttar Pradesh, India, with its headquarters at Robertsganj. Bordering Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, it is known for forested hills, the Son River landscape and a concentration of power plants, coal mining and industry around places such as Anpara, Obra and Renukoot.
The district’s communities include rural farming households, industrial workers and tribal populations, with varied folk traditions and local languages alongside Hindi. Agriculture, mining, power generation and aluminium production shape livelihoods. Vijaygarh Fort, the ancient temple site at Shivdwar and the Rihand reservoir are notable landmarks reflecting its historical, religious and industrial character.
Common civic concerns include air and water pollution, reliable drinking water, healthcare and education access, and road connectivity in remote settlements. Residents also care about employment, workplace safety, land and forest rights, and fair rehabilitation for communities affected by mining, dams and industrial development.