The government has demanded the strict application of the 'Polluter Pays' principle in this case.
The government of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken a historic step by moving to permanently shut down the controversial Malbros International Private Limited (Distillery and Ethanol Plant) located in Zira, Ferozepur. The government has clearly stated before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that "there is no place for polluters in Punjab," according to an official press release.
This Zira distillery had been damaging the environment for many years, the release said, adding, the Punjab government, in an affidavit filed before the NGT on November 2, 2025, by Manish Kumar, Special Secretary, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, admitted that the factory has long violated environmental norms, leading to the contamination of air, water, and soil. This affidavit was presented in compliance with the NGT's order of September 9, 2025. The government clarified that the profit of any industry cannot be greater than the fundamental right of citizens to live in a clean environment.
The factory owner had requested in the last hearing to only operate the ethanol plant, which the government strictly rejected. The government states that allowing any work to be done at the same location by a factory with such a poor record is against public welfare and the law. The affidavit concludes that this is a fit case for the permanent closure of the project proponent because the final products of the distillery and the ethanol plant are chemically similar (ethyl alcohol), and such industrial activities violate the fundamental right to life of the citizens. The Punjab government stands with the citizens of Zira and will adopt a 'Zero Tolerance' policy towards pollution.
The government has demanded the strict application of the 'Polluter Pays' principle in this case. This directly means that the party that caused the pollution must bear the entire cost, including the remedial and environmental restoration costs. The government will ensure that the environment in Zira is thoroughly cleaned up and that the expenses are recovered from the factory owner. The affidavit concludes that the project violations cannot be condoned, and allowing operations to continue by the same promoter would be contrary to law and public policy.
This government decision is a major victory for the long struggle of local groups in Zira, such as the Zira Sanjha Morcha and the Public Action Committee (PAC). The PAC has stated that this is the first time a government has openly admitted that an industry is causing pollution and should be permanently closed. This shows that if the public stands firm for the truth, the government must also accept reality. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government has proven that for them, the health of the people of Punjab and the dream of 'Rangla Punjab' (Vibrant Punjab) are paramount. The next and final hearing in this case is scheduled at the NGT on November 24, it said.
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