Punjab Orders Permanent Closure of Zira Distillery, Citing Public Health and Environmental Violations

Chandigarh: Punjab has taken a strong step to protect public health as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government decided to permanently shut down the Malbros International Pvt. Ltd. distillery and ethanol plant in Zira, Ferozepur.

The state clearly told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that “polluters have no place in Punjab.” This marks a major shift for a state that once struggled with pollution but is now moving toward clean air, clean water, and healthy living. For the Mann government, people’s health is more important than industrial profit.

Why Did the Government Declare the Zira Distillery Harmful?

The distillery had been causing environmental damage for many years. In an affidavit filed on November 2, 2025, by Manish Kumar, Special Secretary of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, the government admitted that the factory had repeatedly broken environmental rules.

It had polluted the air, water, and soil in the area. The affidavit was submitted as per the NGT’s order dated September 9, 2025. The government made it clear that no industry’s profit is more important than the constitutional right of citizens to live in a clean environment.

In the last hearing, the factory owner asked for permission to operate only the ethanol plant, but the government refused. They stated that allowing any part of the facility to function again would go against public interest and the law.

The affidavit also noted that the final products of both the distillery and the ethanol plant are chemically similar (ethyl alcohol), and running such operations would continue to violate the people’s right to life. The Mann government said it stands firmly with the people of Zira and will follow a strict zero-tolerance policy toward pollution.

How Will the ‘Polluter Pays’ Principle Be Enforced?

The government demanded strict application of the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle. This means the company responsible for the pollution must pay the entire cost of environmental cleanup and restoration.

Punjab assured that Zira’s environment will be fully cleaned and that all expenses will be recovered from the factory owner. The affidavit stated that the violations cannot be ignored and that allowing the same promoter to run operations again would be against public policy and the law.

How Did Zira’s People Win Their Long Fight?

Local groups such as the Zira Sanjha Morcha and the Public Action Committee (PAC) called the government’s decision a major victory. They said this is the first time a government has openly accepted that an industry caused pollution and should be permanently shut down.

Their long struggle proved that when people stay firm, the truth cannot be denied. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government has shown that the health of Punjab’s people and the goal of a “Rangla Punjab” come first. The final hearing in this case will take place at the NGT on November 24.