In a key decision for the construction materials industry, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has declined to enforce a nationwide ban on asbestos-cement roofing sheets used in educational institutions. The Tribunal stated that current scientific findings do not demonstrate any direct link between asbestos-cement sheets and health issues under normal usage conditions.
The verdict, delivered in the case Dr Raja Singh vs Union of India & Others (OA No. 298/2023), came after an in-depth review by a multidisciplinary Expert Committee set up by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The committee’s assessment found no evidence that asbestos-cement sheets pose a health risk in non-industrial environments such as schools or homes. Their report noted that while prolonged occupational exposure to high concentrations of asbestos dust can cause asbestosis, there is no indication that asbestos-cement roofing used in everyday settings has harmful effects—even over decades of use.
The experts added that fiber levels in the air remain well below permissible limits, as asbestos fibers in cement sheets are firmly bound within the cement matrix. The material, therefore, remains non-friable and stable. Any possible risks, they said, can be effectively managed through proper installation and removal practices.
The Tribunal emphasized that strict adherence to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) codes—IS 11769:1987 and IS 459:1992—along with existing regulations, keeps exposure within safe limits. It warned that unscientific prohibitions could hinder affordable housing and rural infrastructure, where asbestos-cement roofing remains a cost-effective and climate-resilient material.
Emphasizing the need for science-led policy decisions, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to undertake a comprehensive review of all existing scientific data and international best practices related to asbestos use within six months. This move underscores the Tribunal’s commitment to ensuring that regulations governing asbestos-cement materials are grounded in credible evidence rather than precautionary bans lacking scientific support.
The NGT has further directed the Ministry to revise or formulate policies for the controlled application of asbestos-cement roofing and similar materials across schools, residential areas, and other buildings. It also called for the development of detailed guidelines covering every stage—from manufacturing and installation to maintenance, dismantling, and disposal—to uphold environmental safety standards and safeguard public health.
Industry representatives have welcomed the Tribunal’s ruling as a validation of responsible manufacturing and science-backed regulation. “The NGT’s decision reinforces confidence in long-standing safety practices and sustainable production,” an industry spokesperson said. “Asbestos-cement sheets remain a durable and essential material supporting India’s affordable housing and infrastructure goals.”
Manufacturers also reiterated their ongoing commitment to maintaining high environmental standards, protecting worker health, and raising awareness about the safe handling and disposal of asbestos-based products.
