Why is it in the news?

• The tragic incident of the Kallakurichi (in Tamil Nadu) illicit liquor catastrophe, which has resulted in over 50 fatalities, shares a common pattern of causes, events, and consequences.
• These events, sadly, occur at intervals across multiple states in India where postmortem examinations consistently attribute these tragedies to methanol ingestion.

More about the news:

Production of Ethanol and Methanol:

• Ethanol is a legally consumable alcoholic beverage produced biologically, while methanol in India is derived from fuels like coal.
• Distilleries, often situated near sugar factories, utilize molasses, a by-product of sugar production, as a raw material. These facilities produce rectified spirit which is further distilled to create edible extra neutral alcohol used in the production of Indian Made Foreign Liquor, a significant revenue source for State governments.
• During the ethanol manufacturing process in responsible distilleries, methanol is also generated but carefully extracted due to stringent process controls.
• Methanol is primarily produced from coal and other fossil fuels, and unlike ethanol, it is toxic if consumed. Even minimal methanol concentrations can be lethal. Despite its toxicity, methanol is indispensable in producing various products, such as paints.

Accessibility of Methanol:

• Similar to ethanol, methanol is a heavily regulated substance. Tamil Nadu mandates licensed manufacturing, transportation, and storage, with continuous monitoring and auditing of quantity and quality.
• A considerable portion of the methanol utilized in industries in northern Tamil Nadu is sourced from Andhra Pradesh. Reports indicate the existence of an illicit methanol diversion operation in this region.
• The widespread contamination and severity of the Kallakurichi incident suggest that methanol may have been procured and distributed separately, either independently or as part of a blend.
• Given the long-term production and distribution of illicit alcohol in the area, methanol use was not likely a one-time occurrence during the tragic events in Kallakurichi.

Purpose of Methanol Usage:

• Many hooch tragedies in India are linked to Methanol contamination in alcohol. There is a misguided belief that by diluting the relatively affordable yet potent methanol, similar intoxicating effects can be achieved as with regular alcohol.
• In past cases, such as the Malvani incident in Mumbai in 2015, accused individuals were alleged to have conspired to procure and supply toxic methanol.

Conclusion

• Recurrent incidents of methanol poisoning emphasize the necessity for robust national legislation coordinating with state laws to regulate the methanol supply chain effectively.
• Stringent enforcement of existing laws is vital, especially with plans to boost ethanol and methanol production as greener, economical alternatives to traditional fuels for transport.
• Initiatives like the NITI Aayog’s proposal to scale up methanol production underline the importance of prioritizing the regulation and separation of methanol and ethanol supplies to prevent any illicit activities.