Announcement for closure of a polluting distillery in Punjab

Responding to the six-month-long protests by farmers and residents, Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann has agreed to the closure of a private distillery at Zira in Ferozepur district of Punjab. The 177-day long protest was carried out against Malbros International Private Limited, an alcohol-making unit in Mansurwal village of Zira in Ferozepur. The factory was alleged to be responsible for groundwater pollution in the area. It employs 750-800 employees.

“For purity of Punjab’s water, air and its land, and keeping in view the interests of the people, after consulting legal experts, I announce that orders have been issued to shut down the liquor factory in Zira with immediate effect,” Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced in a video message.