Secunderabad and Mumbai among world’s largest methane-emitting landfills, have emerged as a major environmental concern, according to recent satellite-based analysis. The findings highlight how unmanaged waste and landfill systems are contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, placing India among key regions needing urgent climate action.

What the Satellite Data Reveals

A global study analyzing nearly 2,994 methane plumes across 707 waste sites identified India as home to two of the top 25 methane-emitting landfill sites in 2025.

The key findings include:

• Landfills in Secunderabad (Telangana) and Mumbai (Maharashtra) ranked among the world’s largest methane emitters.
• These sites were identified using advanced satellite monitoring technologies.
• The study mapped emission hotspots across multiple countries to identify “super emitters.”

This highlights the growing role of satellite technology in detecting and tracking environmental pollution.

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How Much Methane Are These Landfills Emitting?

The scale of emissions from these sites is significant and alarming.

• Secunderabad landfill emits around 5.9 tonnes of methane per hour, ranking among the top global emitters.
• Mumbai landfill emits approximately 4.9 tonnes per hour, placing it among the top 15 globally.
• These emissions are comparable to the climate impact of millions of vehicles annually.

Such emission levels classify these sites as “super emitters” with disproportionate climate impact.

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Why Landfills Produce Methane

Landfills produce methane when organic waste breaks down in the absence of oxygen. This usually happens when large amounts of biodegradable material, such as food waste, paper, and other organic matter, are dumped and buried over time.

The process becomes even more severe in large and poorly managed dump sites. In such places, waste decomposes under anaerobic conditions, meaning there is little or no oxygen present. At the same time, gas capture systems are often missing, poorly maintained, or inefficient, allowing methane to escape directly into the atmosphere.

Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, which is why landfill emissions are considered a serious climate concern.

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Why Methane Emissions Matter

Methane is far more dangerous in the short term compared to carbon dioxide.

Key facts:

• Methane is over 80 times more powerful than CO₂ in trapping heat over a short period.
• It contributes significantly to recent global warming trends.
• Cutting methane emissions is one of the fastest ways to slow climate change.

This makes landfill methane reduction a priority for global climate strategies.

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The Bigger Problem: Waste Management in India

The fact that Secunderabad and Mumbai among world’s largest methane-emitting landfills points to deeper structural problems in urban waste management across India. It is not just about a few landfill sites, but about how cities are handling growing volumes of waste with limited long-term systems in place.

One major challenge is rapid urbanization, which is increasing waste generation at a much faster pace. At the same time, waste segregation at source remains limited, making it harder to process recyclable and biodegradable materials efficiently. Many cities also continue to rely heavily on large landfill sites instead of shifting toward decentralized waste management systems that reduce pressure on dumping grounds.

Another important issue is the lack of effective methane capture and modern waste processing infrastructure. In many cases, landfill gas is not collected properly, allowing emissions to escape into the atmosphere. These problems are not unique to just one or two cities, but are common across many rapidly growing urban centers in India.

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Global Context of Methane Emissions

The study covered landfill sites across multiple countries and identified the worst emitters globally.

• Emission levels ranged from 3.6 to 7.6 tonnes per hour across major sites
• India’s inclusion in the top 25 highlights the scale of its waste-related emissions
• Countries worldwide are now focusing on landfill methane as a key climate target

This places India in the spotlight for urgent mitigation action.

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What Can Be Done to Reduce Emissions

Addressing landfill methane emissions requires a combination of policy, technology, and behavioral change.

Possible solutions:

• Improving waste segregation at source
• Expanding composting and recycling systems
• Installing methane capture and waste-to-energy plants
• Reducing organic waste sent to landfills
• Strengthening urban waste management policies

Experts emphasize that methane reduction is one of the quickest climate wins available today.

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Final Thoughts

The inclusion of Secunderabad and Mumbai among world’s largest methane-emitting landfills is a wake-up call for India’s urban and environmental planning systems. While the country is making progress in renewable energy and climate commitments, waste management remains a critical gap.

Satellite data is now making it impossible to ignore these emission hotspots. The challenge ahead is clear: transform waste systems, reduce landfill dependency, and capture methane emissions effectively.

If addressed properly, tackling landfill methane could significantly contribute to India’s climate goals and to global efforts to slow down warming.

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