Carlsberg India's Alwar Unit Ordered to Close Over Pollution Breach

Rajasthan's pollution control board revoked Carlsberg India's operating consent for its Alwar brewery, citing a pollution breach. The order, reported by the Economic Times, stated that the unit's particulate emissions exceeded the permitted limit by nearly eight times.

The closure followed an inspection by the central pollution regulator in July and a subsequent recommendation for shutdown in August. The state board also ordered the local electricity distribution utility to disconnect power to the facility as part of the enforcement action.

The company was required to transmit 85 percent of its pollution-monitoring data to the central regulator, but only 35.12 percent was submitted, according to the order reviewed by the Economic Times. The operating consent for the Alwar facility was granted on April 24, 2024, and was valid until October 31, 2028, subject to compliance with prescribed conditions.

A senior industry official told the Economic Times that while supplies to Rajasthan will be affected, the impact is likely to be limited as the closure comes after the peak summer season. The board warned that failure to comply with the order could trigger further action under air and water pollution laws.

The move occurs as Carlsberg India prepares for a $700 million initial public offering. The Securities and Exchange Board of India recently issued its observations on the company's proposed IPO, a key regulatory step toward the offering. Carlsberg India, which sells Carlsberg and Tuborg beers, reported net sales of ₹8,939 crore and net profit of ₹443 crore in the financial year ended March 2025.