Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cleared a proposal to appoint the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) to conduct a two-year scientific assessment of methane emissions, air pollution and foul odour from the Kanjurmarg solid waste processing facility, amid recurring complaints from residents of surrounding areas such as Kanjurmarg and Vikhroli.
A study based on satellite observations by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) identified Kanjurmarg as a significant methane hotspot. The proposed study is expected to establish baseline scientific data on methane and other air pollutants, map odour-related impacts and assess the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures. The study is estimated to cost ₹ 3 crore and was cleared by the BMC’s Standing Committee on Wednesday. CSIR-NEERI will submit progress reports after six, 12 and 18 months, followed by a comprehensive final report at the end of the two-year study period, according to the proposal.
CSIR-NEERI will assess emissions and odour levels around the facility and examine the factors contributing to the complaints from neighbouring residential areas, officials said. The assessment is expected to provide scientific data on emissions and odour, and help identify measures required to mitigate their impact on surrounding neighbourhoods, BMC officials said.
The move comes against the backdrop of concerns raised by residents before the Bombay High Court over emissions from the Kanjurmarg site.
