Mumbai: BMC has proposed appointing CSIR-NEERI for a two-year study to scientifically assess methane emissions, air pollution and odour around its Kanjurmarg solid waste processing facility at an estimated contract cost of Rs 3.01 crore.The final deliverables will include soft and hard copies of the study report, along with detailed data and analysis. NEERI will submit progress reports after six, 12 and 18 months, followed by a final report at the end of the 24-month study period.The proposed work has been divided into two parts. Part A, costing Rs 2.11 crore, will involve measuring and mapping methane emissions from the landfill using ground-based sensors, drone surveys and satellite observations. The study will also identify methane hotspots and assess associated thermal and fire risks.Part B, estimated at Rs 90 lakh, will assess air pollution, odorous gases and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in the urban areas surrounding the Kanjur facility, jointly with BMC.The study will include round-the-clock monitoring of air quality at six to 10 locations and measurement of pollutants and gases, including hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, formaldehyde, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), PM10, PM2.5, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.BMC will separately procure the equipment required for the study, based on technical specifications certified by NEERI. The civic body will retain ownership of the equipment, allowing it to be used for future monitoring.As per the proposed payment terms, 50% of the contract amount will be paid as an advance with the work order, 40% after submission of the draft progress report and the remaining 10% after submission of the draft final report.“NEERI has suggested that the assignment be classified as a subsidised research project. According to the proposal, this could bring the actual cost of the work down to 15% of the total estimated project cost. The proposal is for a contract period of 24 months,” states the proposal placed before Standing Committee for consideration, with BMC seeking approval in the upcoming meeting.In May this year, Bombay High Court judges Justices Girish Kulkarni and Aarati Sathe visited the Kanjurmarg site on April 25. Currently, around 6,300 metric tonnes (MT) of municipal solid waste from across Mumbai is transported daily to the Kanjurmarg ground. This is almost 90% of the city’s daily waste.
