How is methanol procured and used as liquor?

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

The Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy that has so far claimed more than 50 lives is entirely familiar in its cause, sequence of events, and aftermath.
It is possible that methanol formed during the crude distillation process, adopted by the bootleggers at Kallakurichi, wasn’t removed, leading to methanol poisoning.

Ethanol and its uses:

Ethanol is legal liquor for consumption.
It is produced biologically using edible material.
Molasses, which are a by-product of the sugar making process, form the starting material of distilleries manufacturing ethanol.

Methanol and its uses:

Methanol is produced from fuels such as coal in India.
During ethanol production in responsible distilleries, methanol is also produced but is carefully removed since the processes are highly controlled.
It is needed to produce a range of products that are highly useful.
Just like ethanol, methanol is a highly controlled substance.
Methanol is widely used in paint industries.
Most of the hooch tragedies in India occur due to methanol contamination in liquor.
Potent poison that is methanol, if diluted enough, could provide the same effect as ordinary liquor — a state of intoxication or ‘kick’ for consumers.

Efforts taken:

The periodic occurrence of methanol poisoning suggests the need for strong central legislation that can work with State legislation.
Various laws such as the Poisons Act that involve State governments can tighten the inter-State methanol supply chain.
The implementation of laws holds the key, especially when there are plans to ramp up the production of both ethanol and methanol for use as cheaper, eco-friendly alternatives to petrol and diesel for transportation.