Written by Manraj Grewal SharmaChandigarh | October 31, 2025 02:44 PM IST 3 min readThe tribunal allowed Dr Singh to approach it again if the directions are not followed. (File Photo)The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday declined to impose a nationwide ban on asbestos cement roofing sheets used in schools but ordered strict safety measures, worker protection, and a phase-out review, citing health and environmental concerns.The order was passed by the bench of Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad in a case filed by Dr Raja Singh, a visiting faculty member at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi. He had sought directions to prohibit the use of asbestos roofs in schools, arguing that the material deteriorates over time, releasing fibres that can cause lung diseases such as cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.Dr Singh referred to a 2022 study in Nature Scientific Reports, which found that activity inside asbestos-roofed buildings increases dust pollution, urging precaution for children exposed to such spaces. He also cited the World Health Organization’s (WHO) position that all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic.The plea drew on constitutional and environmental provisions guaranteeing the right to health, and invoked earlier orders issued by the Kerala High Court, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission, and the Calcutta High Court discouraging the use of asbestos in public buildings.The Union government, represented by the ministries of Environment, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Education, told the tribunal that asbestos is already regulated under hazardous waste management rules and that its use in new public projects has been discontinued. The Fibre Cement Products Manufacturers’ Association opposed a complete ban, arguing that asbestos cement sheets contain small amounts of chrysotile asbestos bound in cement, which it said posed minimal risk when handled properly.The bench acknowledged medical evidence linking asbestos to cancer but said an immediate nationwide ban could disrupt livelihoods. It instead ordered targeted measures to reduce health risks and prepare for a gradual transition to safer materials.Awareness programmes, regular inspections, oversight panel– The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) must issue detailed safety rules within three months, covering the entire asbestos lifecycle—from mining to disposal—including compulsory protective gear, medical check-ups, and dust control practices.Story continues below this ad– Manufacturers and users must run training and awareness programmes, with a special focus on rural areas.– The Environment Ministry and the CPCB will review current usage and submit a phase-out plan within six months.– Asbestos will not be used in any new public infrastructure projects, which could extend to schools in the next phase.– State pollution boards are to conduct regular inspections and enforce compliance.Story continues below this ad– A national oversight committee headed by a judicial member will monitor progress and build a database of asbestos sites needing clean-up.The tribunal allowed Dr Singh to approach it again if the directions are not followed.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:NGT