Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Punjab Govt Admits Zira Distillery Caused Severe Pollution, Recommends Closure
Imagine a factory that makes alcohol, called a distillery.
For a long time, people living nearby said this factory was making the air, water, and land very dirty and even making people sick.
They protested for years to get it shut down.
The factory kept saying it wasn't doing anything wrong.
But recently, the government of Punjab officially told a special court (the NGT) that, yes, the factory has been very bad for the environment.
The government agrees it has a history of breaking rules and causing big pollution problems.
Because of this, the government now recommends that the factory should be closed forever and not allowed to make anything there anymore.
This is a big win for the people who have been protesting, as the government is finally listening to them.
Punjab government has formally acknowledged severe pollution caused by the Zira-based Malbros International Distillery before the NGT.
The government's affidavit recommends the permanent closure of the distillery due to its history of violating environmental norms.
The distillery is accused of causing serious pollution affecting air, water, soil, and public health.
Activists and local groups (Zira Sanjha Morcha, PAC) view this as a landmark victory after years of struggle.
The government invoked the 'Polluter Pays' Principle, suggesting costs for environmental restoration and remediation.
- Who
- The Punjab government, Zira Sanjha Morcha, and Public Action Committee (PAC)
- What
- The Punjab government officially admitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the Zira-based Malbros International Distillery has caused severe pollution and recommended its permanent closure.
- When
- Affidavit submitted on November 2, 2023, published November 11, 2023. NGT hearing on November 24, 2023. Protest began July 2022.
- Where
- Zira, Ferozepur district, Punjab
- Why
- The distillery is accused of violating environmental norms, causing severe pollution to air, water, and soil, and impacting public health, leading to demands for its closure.
Public and Activist Groups (Zira Sanjha Morcha, PAC)
Punjab Government (in affidavit to NGT)
Severity of Pollution and Need for Closure
Public and Activist Groups (Zira Sanjha Morcha, PAC)
The distillery is a rogue, polluting industry that has contaminated groundwater, damaged crops, and caused health problems, necessitating permanent closure from day one.
Punjab Government (in affidavit to NGT)
The distillery has a documented history of violating environmental norms, causing serious pollution affecting air, water, soil, and public health, making it a fit case for permanent closure.
Government's Stance
Public and Activist Groups (Zira Sanjha Morcha, PAC)
The government initially supported the industry and even arrested protesters.
Punjab Government (in affidavit to NGT)
The government now acknowledges the pollution and violation of norms, advocating for permanent closure and zero tolerance for industries that prioritize profit over health.
Polluter Pays Principle and Remediation
Public and Activist Groups (Zira Sanjha Morcha, PAC)
Polluters must pay for cleanup, and medical screening, soil testing, and groundwater restoration are necessary next steps.
Punjab Government (in affidavit to NGT)
There is a direct and necessary application of the 'Polluter Pays' Principle for environmental restoration and remediation.
- Distillery Name
- Malbros International Distillery
- Location
- Zira, Ferozepur district, Punjab
- Pollution Concerns
- Contaminated groundwater, damaged crops, health problems, air, water, and soil pollution
- Affidavit Date
- November 2, 2023
- NGT Hearing Date
- November 24, 2023
- Key Organizations Involved
- Zira Sanjha Morcha, Public Action Committee (PAC)