Strict Action on Pollution, Industry Shut Down! CM Mann Begins Holding Polluters Accountable!
Chandigarh, November 14, 2025 :The Punjab that was once gripped by pollution has now, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stepped into a new and bright era where the state’s development is not based on factory smoke, but on clean air, clean water, and healthy living. In Punjab, people’s health now takes precedence over profit! 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.”
Punjab Govt Moves to Shut Zira Distillery for Decades of Pollution
This Zira distillery had been damaging the environment for many years. 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.
Punjab Govt Enforces ‘Polluter Pays’ Rule, Pushes for Permanent Closure of Plant
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. This includes the remedial and environmental restoration costs. The government will make sure the environment in Zira is thoroughly cleaned up. They will recover the expenses from the factory owner. The affidavit concludes that the project violations cannot be condoned. Allowing operations to continue by the same promoter would be contrary to law. It would also go against public policy.
This government decision is a major victory for the long struggle of local groups in Zira. Groups such as the Zira Sanjha Morcha and the Public Action Committee (PAC) have been involved. The PAC has stated that this is the first time a government has openly admitted that an industry is causing pollution. A government has admitted for the first time. They acknowledged that an industry is causing pollution. They also expressed that it 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 demonstrated their priorities clearly. The health of the people of Punjab is vital to them. Equally important is the dream of ‘Rangla Punjab’ (Vibrant Punjab). The next and final hearing in this case is scheduled at the NGT on November 24.
