Ferozepur: NGT orders closure, demolition of Malbros liquor factory at Mansoorwal in Zira after over three years of protest
PTC Web Desk: In a landmark decision, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the permanent closure and demolition of the Malbros liquor factory in Mansoorwal Kalan, Zira, Ferozepur, after a sustained protest by local residents and farmer unions spanning nearly three and a half years.
The verdict came from an NGT Bench in Delhi headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmed. The Bench directed that the distillery plant be shut down permanently and dismantled.
Leaders of the Sanjha Morcha, Zira, welcomed the decision. They said during the hearing, lawyers representing the opposing side confirmed that the distillery plant would be closed and demolished. However, they sought permission to continue ethanol production at another 180 KLD plant within the same premises.
Sanjha Morcha Zira’s counsel, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, has sought two weeks’ time to respond on this matter.
Farmers’ unions, morcha leaders, and local residents hailed the decision as a victory for all of Punjab. They affirmed that while the liquor plant battle has been won, the fight against the ethanol plant will continue in court.
- PTC NEWS
