A groundbreaking study has identified the state of Bihar as a significant and persistent source of methane emissions in eastern India. The research, a collaborative effort by scholars from the Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), raises serious concerns about the region's contribution to climate change.
The Science Behind the Emissions
The findings, published in the prestigious Elsevier’s Journal of Environmental Management—a publication with a high impact factor of 8.4—pinpoint several districts as consistent methane hotspots. These areas include Patna, Vaishali, Bhojpur, Bhagalpur, and parts of north-eastern Bihar, all located in the mid-Gangetic plains.
Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas, with a capacity to trap heat in the atmosphere far exceeding that of carbon dioxide. The study, conducted by Rajesh K Ranjan and Avinash Dass from CUSB along with Amit K Mishra from JNU, explains that Bihar's unique geography and economic activities create a perfect storm for methane release.
Why Bihar is a Methane Hotspot
The primary drivers identified are the state's extensive agricultural practices and its landscape. Large-scale paddy (rice) and makhana cultivation, combined with significant livestock farming, are major contributors. These activities take place in a region characterized by vast floodplains along the Ganga and its tributaries, as well as numerous wetlands.
Seasonal flooding and prolonged water stagnation during the monsoon months further intensify methane production, especially in rural and low-lying areas. The waterlogged conditions in rice fields and wetlands create oxygen-poor environments where microbes produce methane as a byproduct.
Far-Reaching Consequences for Bihar
Although methane is invisible and odourless, its impacts are profound. The research warns that rising methane emissions can:
- Accelerate local and global warming.
- Disrupt regional rainfall patterns.
- Indirectly threaten agriculture, livelihoods, and long-term food security.
These consequences are critical for a state like Bihar, where the economy and sustenance of millions are tightly linked to farming and climate stability.
Pathways to Mitigation and Balance
The researchers propose practical, locally-suited solutions to curb emissions without harming farmers' incomes. Their recommendations include:
- Improved water management in rice paddies.
- Adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
- Better handling and treatment of livestock waste.
- Scientific conservation and management of wetlands.
As CUSB teacher Rajesh K Ranjan emphasized, addressing methane emissions at the local level is crucial. It allows Bihar to balance its developmental needs while contributing to national and global climate goals. This study serves as a vital call to action for policymakers and agricultural communities in the region.
