NGT orders closure of Zira distillery, Ethanol Plant spared, Protesters vow to continue struggle
Ferozepur, September 14, 2025: In a significant ruling, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the complete closure and dismantling of the controversial Malbros distillery at village Mansoorwal Kalan in the Zira Assembly constituency of Ferozepur. The Tribunal, however, permitted the company to continue operating an ethanol production plant of 180 KLD capacity within the same premises.
The decision comes after years of protests by villagers and farmer organizations under the Sanjha Morcha Zira banner, who accused the factory of contaminating groundwater, spreading diseases among people and cattle, and causing deaths in the area.
According to the NGT order, while the distillery plant must be dismantled, the ethanol unit may function. The State of Punjab and the Original Applicant have sought two weeks’ time to place their written stand, and the matter will be taken up again on November 3, 2025.
Reacting to the order, Brar from the Zira Sangharsh Committee said, “This is only a partial victory. We will continue to fight until the ethanol plant too is closed. Our demand remains the complete closure of all liquor and ethanol operations on this site. Until then, our struggle will not end.”
Earlier also the protesters had demanded jobs for locals at the sugar mill, compensation for affected families, and the establishment of a multi-speciality hospital in Zira.