BMC proposes ₹3.01 crore NEERI study of methane and odour at Kanjurmarg facility

BMC has proposed a ₹3.01 crore, two-year study of methane emissions, odour and air pollution around the Kanjurmarg waste-processing facility, with NEERI slated to carry it out.

The proposal follows directions from the Bombay High Court during a public-interest litigation hearing. NEERI would use ground sensors, drone surveys, satellite imagery and GIS mapping to identify methane hotspots and points where gas may be escaping from the waste mounds.

Mumbai generates about 6,300 metric tonnes of waste each day, of which nearly 90% is processed at Kanjur: around 1,000 metric tonnes through windrow composting and 5,300 metric tonnes through bioreactor technology.

Of the proposed contract value, ₹2.11 crore is earmarked for methane quantification and ₹90 lakh for studying air pollution, odour-causing gases and volatile organic compounds in nearby residential areas. Six to 10 round-the-clock monitoring stations are proposed in consultation with the BMC.

Researchers would measure conditions before, during and after the monsoon. NEERI is expected to submit progress reports after six, 12 and 18 months, followed by a final report at the end of 24 months.