In a decisive move against environmental negligence, the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) has served show-cause notices to three prominent confectionery manufacturing units operating in Indore's Sanwer Road Industrial Area. This action follows a recent surprise inspection that uncovered severe violations of established pollution control norms and consent conditions.
Inspection Uncovers Widespread Non-Compliance
The regional office of the MPPCB in Indore conducted unannounced checks at confectionery plants located in both Sector A and Sector B of the industrial zone. The inspections led to the issuance of formal notices under the stringent Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The units held accountable are MB Food Pvt Ltd and Naughty Foods Pvt Ltd in Sector A, along with RJ Confectionery in Sector B.
At MB Food Pvt Ltd, officials discovered a malfunctioning effluent treatment plant (ETP) that was not operating effectively. Critically, the unit had no installed flow meter to measure the quantity of treated effluent being discharged. Furthermore, the company could not produce the mandatory permission from the Central Ground Water Board for extracting groundwater and failed to provide any details on the volume of water being drawn.
Specific Violations Found at Each Unit
The situation at Naughty Foods Pvt Ltd was similarly alarming. Inspectors found both the ETP and the flow meter completely shut down. Record-keeping was also substandard, with inadequate maintenance of the ETP operation logbook. The unit was also caught extracting groundwater via a borewell without the necessary flow meter or official approval from the Central Ground Water Board.
Perhaps the most blatant violation was at RJ Confectionery. This unit was found to be operating without the mandatory consent to operate from the pollution control board itself. Its ETP and flow meter were non-functional, logbook maintenance was poor, and it was illegally extracting groundwater through a borewell without any authorisation.
Strict Deadline and Potential Consequences
Satish Kumar Choksey, the Regional Officer of PCB Indore, stated that the erring industries have been granted a strict seven-day window to submit their responses and initiate corrective measures. He issued a clear warning, stating that failure to comply will result in severe legal repercussions.
The potential actions include recommendations to the relevant authorities for the disconnection of essential utilities such as electricity and water supply to the non-compliant units. This step underscores the board's serious intent to enforce environmental regulations and hold polluting industries accountable.
This crackdown highlights the ongoing vigilance of the MPPCB in the Indore region, sending a strong message to all industrial units about the imperative need to adhere to pollution control protocols and safeguard local water resources.
