Why in News
The Kallakurichi tragedy, with over 50 deaths, highlights a recurring issue of methanol poisoning from illicit liquor across India.
Postmortem reports confirm methanol consumption as the cause in most victims.
Production of Ethanol and Methanol:
Ethanol (used in legal liquor) is produced biologically from molasses (sugar byproduct).
Responsible distilleries remove methanol during the production process.
Methanol (poisonous) is produced from coal and used in various industrial products.
Accessibility of Methanol:
Both ethanol and methanol are controlled substances in Tamil Nadu, requiring licenses for manufacturing, transportation, and storage.
Reports suggest a black market for illegally obtained methanol, possibly sourced from Andhra Pradesh.
Causes of Methanol Poisoning in Illicit Liquor:
Methanol might not be properly removed during crude distillation by bootleggers, leading to accidental contamination.
More likely, methanol is intentionally added to the illicit liquor due to its:
Lower cost compared to ethanol.
Misguided belief that diluted methanol can provide intoxication.
Legal Precedents:
The 2015 Malvani hooch tragedy involved a similar debate on intentional vs. accidental methanol use.
The verdict highlighted the difficulty of proving intentional poisoning.
Solutions:
Stronger Legislation:
Central and state laws should work together to regulate the methanol supply chain.
Existing laws like the Poisons Act can be strengthened.
Strict Implementation:
Effective enforcement of existing laws is crucial, especially with increased production of ethanol and methanol for fuel alternatives.
National Focus:
Preventing contamination requires national priority to ensure proper separation and handling of methanol and ethanol.
Overall Methanol poisoning in illicit liquor is a preventable tragedy.
Stricter regulations, better implementation, and a national focus are needed to ensure the safety of consumers.
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