Sanjha Morcha Zira seeks written order for permanent closure of Liquor Factory
Ferozepur, September 4, 2026: The Sanjha Morcha Zira has urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to bring a written order or decision regarding the permanent closure of the Zira liquor factory when he visits Zira on September 6. The demand was raised during an important meeting of the Morcha held on Thursday to discuss the Chief Minister’s proposed visit.
The Morcha members led by Roman Brar said residents of Zira and adjoining villages had been struggling for a long time for the complete closure of the factory and that they now wanted a written and final decision rather than assurances or statements. It appealed to the Chief Minister to provide a formal order confirming that the factory would remain permanently closed.
The protesters also sought clarity from the government on the steps proposed to address concerns relating to drinking water, public health and alleged damage suffered by affected residents and farmers.
The Sanjha Morcha further appealed to political leaders of all parties to make their stand clear on the issue and publicly commit that the Zira factory would not be allowed to operate if their respective parties came to power.
The Morcha maintained that its agitation would continue until a written decision regarding the permanent closure of the factory was issued.
Among those present at the meeting were Morcha leaders Roman Brar, Mahianwala Kalan, Gurmel Singh, sarpanch of Mansurwal Kalan, Pritam Singh of Mahianwala Kalan, Gursewak Singh Numberdar, Bachittar Singh of Mansurwal Kalan, Balwinder Singh Longo, Seva Manna Singh, Chain Singh of Wara, Harman Singh of Rataul Rohi, Mukhtiar Singh Fauji, Baba Multan Singh and Roop Singh, among others.
The next hearing in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for the Zira liquor factory case (Malbros International Pvt Ltd) is scheduled for September 11, 2026. People’s rights and the struggle for clean water will continue,” the Sanjha Morcha said.
Added here, the Sanjha Morcha Zira-led agitation against the Malbros International distillery and ethanol unit at Mansurwal Kalan began on July 24, 2022, after local residents and farmers alleged groundwater and air pollution linked to the factory. The prolonged protest led Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to announce the closure of the unit in January 2023, while the Punjab Pollution Control Board later refused consent to operate the facility. However, the Morcha has continued to demand a formal, permanent closure order and pursued the issue through legal and environmental forums. In November 2025, the Punjab Government told the National Green Tribunal that the unit had a documented history of environmental violations and supported its permanent closure. The protest has since entered its fifth year, with the Morcha continuing to press for a legally binding closure and action concerning environmental damage.