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Ferozepur: The report of the Central Pollution Control Board regarding the Zeera Liquor Factory has come out. The Central Pollution Control Board submitted its report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on May 19. The report revealed that the water around the factory is not fit for drinking and the water inside the factory is also not fit for drinking. The Central Pollution Control Board has written to the Punjab Pollution Control Board to take appropriate action within 45 days.
According to the report, “out of 29 borewells monitored by the team of Central Pollution Board, 12 borewells are coming out with smelly water while 5 borewells were coming out with smelly and slightly dark or black colored water. The water from none of these 29 borewells meets the required standards to be potable, as a result the water should not be used for drinking or irrigation purposes.”
The report found that ground water in three villages Mansoorwal, Mahianwala Kalan and Ratol Rohi of Zira area is affected by toxic elements and metals. Concentrations of elements such as selenium, manganese and iron in water have been found to exceed tolerable levels.
Instructions have been given to the local administration that in those areas where this poisonous water is not potable water, it should be ensured that that water is not used in any house. The impact of this water on people and crops will be investigated in depth.
The presence of cyanide concentration of 0.2 mg in a borewell located at village Ratol Rohi is four times higher than the prescribed limit and is a matter of concern. In this regard, the team of Central Pollution Board conducted on-the-spot inspection of 10 borewells and 06 piezometers installed in the industry.
This report was prepared by Dr Narinder Sharma, Additional Director Scientist, Central Pollution Control Board, Chandigarh.
The Malbros factory, which has been shut down over pollution allegations and which the Punjab government was ordered by a court to rehearse, has not made an official statement on the new report. The factory had denied all allegations of pollution, but has not yet responded to the new report.
People of 40 villages and farmers’ organizations of the area had protested against this liquor factory located in village Mansurwal Kalan under Ferozepur district since last year. The people of the area allege that the underground water is getting contaminated due to the pollution of the factory and this is affecting their health. After which on January 17, 2023, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the closure of Zeera Liquor Factory. Various petitions related to the Zeera liquor factory case are pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
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