Zira Liquor Factory Row: NGT defers to Nov 24 on environmental clearance void

Ferozepur, November 8, 2025: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has deferred to November 24 a decision on whether Malbros International Private Limited can operate its 180 KLD ethanol unit at Mansoorwal Kalan village near Zira, after the Public Action Committee (PAC) raised concerns over the absence of environmental clearance (EC) for fuel-grade ethanol production.

The Zira liquor factory row refers to the long-standing protest by local residents in Punjab against the Malbros liquor factory, alleging it is causing severe groundwater contamination. Protests began due to the polluted, odorous, and discoloured water found in nearby borewells, with chemical analysis later confirming high levels of heavy metals and o

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