In April, BMC will begin quantifying the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the city
In April, BMC will begin quantifying the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the cityTHE Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will soon survey the effects that emissions from the city's refrigerators and air-conditioners have on global warming. Starting April, they will go to all homes to check the level of pollutants being emitted. Industrial output of gases is part of the study as are emissions from heavy and light vehicles.
Mumbai is the first city in India to have such a survey conducted on it. S D Khandare, deputy chief engineer (environment) said, "The BMC has short listed a couple of agencies, of which one will be finalised and then the survey should begin by April. We don't have any relevant data on the city and its greenhouse gases."
The BMC will now appoint a private agency to conduct the survey and prepare the report. "Such studies have been conducted in several advanced countries. Once Mumbai undertakes this study, it will be a role model for other Indian cities. The data will be useful. Once we know the level of GHGs emitted by an appliance, it can be used for finding a solution to cut down on the harmful emissions," said Khandare.
The survey and a report on the findings will take two years to complete. The software containing this data will then be handed over to the BMC. The data will not only include information about the GHG levels but it will also provide solutions to address problem areas.
BMC gets gasThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will generate methane gas from a Gorai dumping ground and earn 1.63 million carbon credit (CER). The CER will contribute in reduction of global warming and the corporation is expected to earn Rs 65.5 crore at the minimum rate of US$ 10 per CER, as assured by the World Bank. Forty wells will be dug for the methane extraction and the corporation will start earning carbon credit from May 2009.
The corporation is also trying to generate electricity from Methane gas.
