The Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy, which has claimed over 50 lives, is a grim reminder of the recurring issue of methanol poisoning in India. These incidents, often attributed to the consumption of methanol-laced liquor, highlight the need for stricter regulations and better enforcement of existing laws to prevent such avoidable deaths.
Production of Ethanol and Methanol
Ethanol Production:
- Ethanol is legally produced for consumption.
- It is biologically produced.
- Derived from molasses, a by-product of sugar production.
- Distilleries near sugar factories process molasses into rectified spirit.
- Further distillation yields edible extra neutral alcohol used in Indian Made Foreign Liquor.
Methanol Production:
- Methanol is produced from coal and other fossil fuels.
- Not intended for consumption due to its toxicity.
- Even small amounts can be fatally toxic.
- Essential for producing various products like paints.
- Separated during ethanol production in controlled processes to prevent contamination.
Methanol Procurement and Usage
Regulation and Control:
- Methanol, like ethanol, is tightly regulated.
- Tamil Nadu enforces strict rules for manufacturing, transportation, and storage.
- Quality and quantity are monitored and audited.
Supply and Pilferage:
- Industries in northern Tamil Nadu often source methanol from Andhra Pradesh.
- Reports suggest a significant methanol pilferage operation along supply routes and at end-user locations.
Methanol Usage in Illicit Liquor:
- Methanol contamination may occur during crude distillation by bootleggers.
- Evidence suggests separate procurement of methanol for illicit liquor production.
- Indicates ongoing use of methanol over an extended period, not just isolated incidents.
- Methanol contamination is a leading cause of hooch tragedies in India.
- Belief persists that diluted methanol can mimic the effects of regular liquor at lower cost.
Legal Cases and Community Impact:
- Legal cases like the Malvani tragedy highlight deliberate methanol procurement.
- Defense argues against knowledge of methanol inclusion, citing illogical business sense.
- Bootleggers operate within communities, providing a demanded but dangerous service.
Way Forward
- Strong central legislation is crucial to complement state laws.
- Enhancing regulations like the Poisons Act can secure the methanol supply chain.
- Plans to increase ethanol and methanol production necessitate strict segregation and anti-pilferage measures.
- NITI Aayog aims to scale methanol production significantly, emphasising separate handling from ethanol to prevent misuse and poisoning incidents.
Source: How is methanol procured and used as liquor? (The Hindu, June 24)