Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
In a move aimed at strengthening public safety and regulatory oversight, the Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Uttarakhand Poisons (Possession and Sale) Rules, 2023, by including methyl alcohol in the list of classified poisons. This decision comes in compliance with the Supreme Court’s 2013 directive in Lakshmi vs Union of India (Writ Petition No. 129/2006), which mandated all states to adopt and implement the Model Poisons Possession and Sales Rules, 2013, issued by the Government of India. This has been disclosed by Secretary Shailesh Bagauli after cabinet meeting here in secretariat.
Although Uttarakhand had already implemented its own version of the Poisons Rules in 2023, methyl alcohol—a highly toxic and potentially lethal substance—was not previously listed under its poison schedule. This omission posed a significant risk, as it hindered proper inspections of units using methyl alcohol and allowed for the easy renewal of licenses without adequate scrutiny.
Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, is a colorless, flammable liquid commonly used in industrial and laboratory settings. It is highly poisonous, with ingestion of just 30 ml potentially resulting in death. Even smaller amounts can cause severe health consequences, including permanent blindness. Several cases of methanol poisoning in the past have raised alarm over its unregulated use and distribution.
Using powers granted under Sections 2 and 8 of the Poisons Act, 1919 (Act No. 12 of 1919), the state government has now formally decided to classify methyl alcohol as a poison. This inclusion will empower authorities to carry out stricter inspections and enforce tighter controls on its possession, sale, and use across the state.
The amendment reflects the government’s commitment to public health and safety and is expected to curb illegal or negligent use of hazardous substances like methyl alcohol.
