Answer

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributes significantly to global warming with a warming potential 25 times that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. According to the International Energy Agency’s Global Methane Tracker 2024, cutting methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75% by 2030 is crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. In India, major sources of methane emissions include agriculture, waste management, and energy sectors, making targeted reduction strategies essential to combat climate change in the near term

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Importance of Methane Reduction for Slowing Global Warming in India

• Agricultural Emissions: India’s paddy cultivation, especially in flooded fields, generates significant methane due to anaerobic decomposition. Mitigating emissions from rice paddies is essential for reducing India’s methane footprint.
  For example: Research by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) highlights that alternate wetting and drying (AWD) methods can reduce methane emissions from rice fields by up to 50%.
• Livestock Management: Enteric fermentation in cattle is a primary source of methane, linked to India’s large livestock population. Addressing livestock emissions is vital for effective methane reduction.
  For example: The National Livestock Mission promotes feed supplements that reduce methane emissions from cattle, helping to mitigate climate impacts while supporting agricultural livelihoods.
• Waste Management: Decomposing organic waste in landfills releases methane. Improved waste segregation and recycling can significantly curb emissions from this sector.
  For example: Initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission promote waste management practices that reduce landfill waste, thereby lowering methane emissions from urban areas.
• Oil and Gas Sector: Methane leakage during extraction, processing, and transportation of oil and gas is a significant source. Controlling these emissions is crucial for India’s energy transition goals.
  For example: ONGC has implemented methane capture technology in various oil fields, aligning with India’s commitment to the Global Methane Pledge.
• Coal Mining: Methane is often released during coal mining activities. Implementing methane capture in coal mines can reduce emissions and repurpose methane as a clean energy source.
  For example: Coal India Ltd. is exploring methane capture projects in key mining areas, aiming to reduce emissions while enhancing energy efficiency.

Key Challenges in Reducing Methane Emissions

• Economic Constraints: Transitioning to methane-reducing technologies requires significant investments, which can be challenging for sectors dependent on traditional methods.
  For instance: Small-scale farmers may find it difficult to adopt technologies like AWD due to limited financial support, impacting efforts to reduce agricultural emissions.
• Technical Limitations: Effective methane capture and utilisation require advanced technology, which is often not accessible in remote or resource-limited areas.
  For instance: Methane capture in coal mining areas faces hurdles due to high initial setup costs and technical complexities in underground operations.
• Regulatory Gaps: Lack of strict methane-specific regulations makes it challenging to enforce emission reduction across industries.
  For instance: Current environmental policies focus more on CO₂, with limited guidelines specifically targeting methane emissions, reducing regulatory pressure for methane mitigation.
• Public Awareness: Low awareness about methane’s impact on climate change hinders widespread adoption of methane-reducing practices.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Accurate data collection on methane emissions is challenging, making it difficult to track progress and enforce reduction targets.
  For example: Many small and medium enterprises lack the capacity to monitor methane emissions effectively, leading to underreporting and inconsistent data.

Potential Measures for Methane Reduction in Key Sectors

• Agriculture: Implementing AWD and promoting low-methane rice varieties can substantially reduce methane from rice paddies.
  For example: The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture supports initiatives that encourage AWD, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices that reduce methane emissions.
• Livestock: Using feed additives that reduce enteric fermentation and promoting better manure management practices can curb methane in the livestock sector.
  For example: Rumen modifiers and feed supplements provided under the National Livestock Mission have shown promising results in reducing methane from cattle.
• Waste Management: Enhancing waste segregation, composting, and biomethanation technologies can reduce methane from organic waste.
  For example: Swachh Bharat Mission encourages cities to set up composting facilities, reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills and minimising methane emissions.
• Oil and Gas: Employing leak detection and repair (LDAR) technology in oil and gas operations can help prevent methane leaks.
  For example: ONGC uses LDAR systems to monitor and control methane leaks in oil fields, contributing to India’s goals under the Global Methane Pledge.
• Coal Mining: Utilising methane capture and storage in coal mining operations can convert methane into a usable energy source.
  For example: Coal India is piloting methane capture projects in Jharkhand, where captured methane is used to generate power, demonstrating a sustainable use of methane emissions.

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Methane reduction is critical for India to achieve near-term climate goals and slow global warming. While challenges persist in areas like agriculture, livestock management, waste, oil and gas, and coal mining, implementing effective strategies through regulation, technology, and awareness can enhance methane mitigation efforts. As India progresses toward its climate commitments, a comprehensive approach to methane reduction across sectors is essential for sustainable development and environmental resilience.

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