Shivpuri: Acting on the directions of the Gwalior High Court, the district administration had sealed several peanut-processing mills in Bhaunti during May–June 2025 for spreading pollution in the region. However, the mill owners challenged the action in the High Court, where they received partial relief.
The Court ruled that mills may operate only if they install filters and all necessary pollution-control equipment, ensuring that no dust or pollutants escape into the surrounding areas. The Court categorically stated that mills failing to comply would not receive the benefit of this order.
Mills Operating Without Filters in the Name of Court Order
Despite these clear instructions, several mill operators in Bhaunti have resumed operations without installing filters or mandatory equipment, causing severe dust pollution in the town.
A fresh complaint has recently been lodged through the 181 grievance portal, stating that residents are suffering due to unabated pollution from these mills.
Mills That Were Previously Sealed
The following units were shut down earlier by the administration:
- Maa Bhagwati Traders, Sirsaud-Pichhore Road, Bhaunti
- Maa Kaila Devi Traders, Sirsaud-Pichhore Road, Bhaunti
- Amarnath Traders, Mahoba Road, Bhaunti
- Deepak Traders, Mahoba Road, Bhaunti
- Khushi Traders, Bhaunti
- Shiva Traders, Mahoba Road, Bhaunti
- Vaishnavi Traders, Mahoba Road, Bhaunti
- Harishankar Ashok Kumar, Sirsaud-Pichhore Road, Bhaunti
- Nandini Traders, Mahoba Road, Bhaunti
- Shri Krishna & Sons, Bhayawan Road, Bhaunti
- Gaurav Goyal, near Central Bank, Bhaunti
What the High Court Had Ordered
In the petition filed by the mill operators, the High Court granted them 15 days to install all required pollution-control equipment to protect the public from dust, pollution, and nuisance.
After installation, the Pollution Control Board (PCB) was directed to inspect the mills and submit a report.
The Court clearly stated:
- If the mill owner complies with MPCB guidelines, the mills may resume operation.
- If the mill owner fails to install filters and required equipment, no relief will be granted, and the closure will stand.
The Origin of the Case
The issue began when Upendra Bhargav, a resident of Bhaunti, filed a complaint before the Pichhore SDM Court in November 2024. He alleged that illegal peanut mills were releasing heavy dust into the air, damaging crops, harming public health, and polluting the entire area.
When no action was taken by local authorities, Bhargav approached the High Court, which then directed the SDM Pichhore and the Pollution Control Board to conduct an inquiry and act based on the findings.
Following the High Court’s order, then SDM Pichhore Shivdayal Dhakad conducted an investigation.
In his order dated 25 April 2025, he observed that such mills posed a serious threat to public health and safety and ordered immediate closure of all peanut-processing units operating without proper permissions.
Officials Speak
Mamata Shakya, SDM Pichhore:
“After the complaint, the mills were closed in May–June 2025. The operators restarted them under the High Court’s order. However, none of them have submitted any inspection report or NOC to our office yet. I have issued letters regarding this.”
DVS Jatav, Zone In-charge, MP Pollution Control Board:
“Some mills have installed filters and required equipment, while several others have not. I have already submitted my report on this matter.”
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