Industries extract groundwater haphazardly, MPPCB slaps notice:Three confectionery units found releasing untreated wastewater, violating norms at Sanwer Road industrial area

The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) has initiated action against three confectionery units operating in the Sanwer Road industrial area of Indore for haphazard extraction of groundwater, non-functional or non-installed Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), and multiple violations of pollution control norms. The action followed a surprise inspection conducted on December 16, 2025, by the regional officer of MPPCB, Indore. During the inspection, serious lapses were found at M.B. Food Pvt Ltd, Naughty Foods Pvt Ltd, and R.J. Confectionery, prompting the Board to issue show-cause notices under Section 25 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. ETPs non-functional, groundwater drawn without permission At M.B. Food Pvt Ltd, located in Sector-A of the Sanwer Road industrial area, officials found that the effluent treatment plant was not operating effectively. The unit had no flow meter installed to measure treated wastewater and failed to produce any permission from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for groundwater extraction. The industry could not provide details of the quantity of groundwater being drawn. Records related to hazardous waste storage and disposal were also missing, and housekeeping conditions were found to be poor. No documents were produced to show that treated effluent was being sent to the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). Flow meters shut, no records maintained Similar violations were detected at Naughty Foods Pvt Ltd, where both the ETP and the flow meter were found shut during inspection. The logbook related to ETP operation was not properly maintained. The unit was drawing groundwater through a borewell without installing a flow meter and without CGWA approval. Hazardous waste records were unavailable, and no updated display board detailing hazardous waste information was found at the main gate. The unit also failed to submit any proof of treated effluent being sent to the CETP. Unit found operating without consent More serious violations were found at R.J. Confectionery, located in Sector-B, which was found operating without the mandatory consent of the Pollution Control Board. Its ETP and flow meter were non-functional, and groundwater was being extracted via a borewell without permission or measurement. Officials found improper storage of hazardous waste, poor housekeeping, and sludge from the ETP stored in small containers without scientific handling. The unit also failed to provide any information or records regarding plastic waste and other industrial waste generation, storage, and disposal. Seven days given to comply MPPCB Regional Officer Satish Chokse said that all three units have been issued show-cause notices and given seven days to submit their reply and rectify the violations. If the industries fail to comply within the stipulated time and do not improve pollution control systems or submit the required information, strict legal action will be initiated. This may include recommendations for disconnection of electricity and water supply, Choukse said. He added that such surprise inspections will continue, and industries found violating environmental norms will face stringent action under the law.