A new global report has identified two waste disposal sites in India—located in Telangana and Maharashtra—among the top 25 methane-emitting landfills worldwide. The findings highlight growing environmental and public health concerns linked to unmanaged waste emissions.
Methane: A Major Driver of Climate Change
Methane is a high-impact greenhouse gas, responsible for nearly 30% of global warming since
pre-industrial times, second only to carbon dioxide. Therefore, controlling methane emissions has become critical in global climate mitigation efforts. The report, titled “Spotlight on the Top 25 Methane Plumes in 2025: Landfills”, was released by UCLA and underscores the urgent need for improved waste management practices.
Satellite Data Reveals Emission Hotspots
Researchers analysed emissions using advanced satellite technologies, including:
*Planet Labs’ Tanager-1 satellite
*NASA’s EMIT instrument aboard the International Space Station
These tools enabled precise detection of methane plumes across global landfill sites in 2025.
Indian Sites Among Top Global Emitters
According to the report a landfill in Secunderabad emits approximately 5.9 tons of methane per hour, ranking fourth globally. A site in Mumbai emits around 4.9 tons per hour, placing twelfth on the list. These figures indicate significant methane leakage from urban waste facilities, particularly those located near densely populated areas.
Global Context: Argentina Tops the List
Globally, the highest methane-emitting landfill identified in the report is located in Argentina, releasing approximately 7.6 tons of methane per hour. Cara Horowitz, Executive Director of UCLA’s Emmett Institute, emphasized the seriousness of the findings. She noted that methane emissions at such levels pose significant risks, especially since many of these landfills are located near urban centres. Consequently, these emissions not only accelerate climate change but also impact air quality and public health, making urgent intervention essential.
Outlook: Urgent Need for Waste Management Reforms
As reported by msn.com, the report underscores the importance of improving landfill management systems, investing in methane capture and utilisation technologies and strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks. As India continues to urbanise, addressing landfill emissions will be crucial for achieving climate goals and safeguarding public health.
