New Delhi, 10th Nov 2025 : In a major development for India’s building materials sector, the
NGT after reviewing submissions and the findings of the Expert Committee has
declined to impose a blanket ban on asbestos-cement roofing sheets in schools
and other education institutions, recognizing their continued safe use
across the country. The Tribunal noted the absence of conclusive scientific
evidence directly linking asbestos-cement sheets in buildings to adverse health
impacts under normal use conditions.
The verdict in Dr. Raja Singh v. Union of India &
Others (O.A. No. 298/2023) was issued after an extensive scientific evaluation
by a multi-disciplinary Expert Committee constituted by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), pursuant to
directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Experts Find No Evidence of Health Risk from
Asbestos-Cement Sheets Under Normal Use
The expert committee found no data or evidence
linking asbestos-cement roofing to health hazards in non-industrial settings
such as schools and other education Institution. The report stated:
“Asbestosis may be a problem in occupational exposure
in employees if exposed to high concentration of asbestos dust over a prolonged
period, there is no evidence to suggest that asbestos-cement sheets in normal
use cause any harm irrespective of use for any length of time over decades.”
Experts also confirmed that airborne fiber
levels under normal use are well below permissible limits, and that asbestos
fibres are locked within the cement matrix, making the material stable,
durable, and non-friable and that any potential risk can be minimised
through safe handling during installation and removal.
NGT Favors Scientific Regulation Over Blanket Ban
The Tribunal observed that safe handling and
adherence to BIS standards (IS 11769:1987 and IS 459:1992) and other laid
out regulations in our country ensure exposure much less than permissible level
and environmental safety. It cautioned that unscientific/ unjustified bans
could harm affordable infrastructure development, particularly in rural India,
where asbestos-cement roofing provides cost-effective and
climate-resilient shelter.
The NGT’s approach underscores the need for evidence-based
policy and ongoing monitoring, rather than prohibition
unsupported by data.
The Tribunal has directed the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change to “Review the entire
scientific evidence/material available and also review global best
practices within 06 months and to take appropriate decision and make
appropriate policies permitting/minimizing use of asbestos cement roofing
sheets and other asbestos contained material in schools, residential houses and
other buildings, and proper management and disposal of asbestos waste in
accordance with its vison statement with an action plan and appropriate time
lines and “Issue detailed guidelines for the manufacture, installation,
maintenance, dismantling, and disposal” of asbestos-containing materials
to ensure environmental safety and protection of public health.
Industry Welcomes the Decision
The industry has welcomed the NGT’s ruling as a strong
affirmation of science-based regulation, safety, and sustainable development.
It stated, “The judgment reaffirms decades of
responsible manufacturing and effective regulatory oversight,” adding that
“asbestos-cement sheets continue to be safe, durable, and vital to meeting
India’s affordable housing and infrastructure needs.”
The industry further reaffirmed its commitment to high
environmental standards, worker health and safety, and public awareness
initiatives promoting the safe use, handling, and disposal of asbestos-cement
products.
