The methane emissions from landfills in India are ranked second next only to coal mining. The estimation of methane emissions from landfills is important in order to evaluate measures for reduction these greenhouse gases. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the energy potential of methane from selected urban landfill sites in India. The evaluation of energy potential was done using the first order decay model. The paper also examined the current status, future prospects and various barriers for landfill gas (LFG) recovery and utilization in India. Although it seems that technological and economic constraints might be a major factor in the implementation, but the main hurdle is a lack of national policy framework and an integrated action plan for LFG recovery and utilization.