New Delhi, 12th November 2025 : In a major development for India’s building materials sector, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has affirmed that asbestos-cement roofing sheets pose no proven health risk to schoolchildren or the general public, recognizing their continued safe use across the country.
The verdict, issued in Dr. Raja Singh vs.
Union of India & Others (O.A. No. 298/2023), follows extensive
scientific evaluation by expert panels constituted by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), with inputs from
leading institutions including IIT Delhi and IIT
Roorkee.
Experts Confirm Safety of Asbestos-Cement Sheets
The expert committee found no data or evidence linking asbestos-cement roofing to health hazards in non-industrial settings such as schools. The report stated:
“Asbestosis may be a problem in occupational exposure, but there is no evidence that cement-asbestos sheets in use cause harm.”
Experts also confirmed that airborne fibre
levels under normal use are well below international safety limits, and
that asbestos fibres are locked within the cement matrix, making
the material stable, durable, and non-friable.
NGT Favours Scientific Regulation Over Blanket Ban
The Tribunal observed that safe handling and adherence to BIS standards (IS 11769:1987 and IS 459:1992) ensure minimal exposure and environmental safety. It cautioned that unscientific 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 bench also asked the CPCB to develop a standard
operating procedure for the
safe disposal of asbestos waste to prevent re-entrainment of fibres ,and
directed the Ministry of education to advise schools to maintain existing
asbestos cement roofs in good condition with protective coating, follow BIS
standards during any installation or maintenance work and ensure disposal of
asbestos waste only at authorized facilities in accordance with the hazardous
and other wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement )Rules,2016.
Industry Welcomes the Decision
The Fibre Cement Products Manufacturers Association (FCPMA) welcomed the NGT’s ruling as a victory for science, safety, and sustainable development.
“This judgment validates decades of responsible manufacturing and regulation,” said an FCPMA spokesperson. “Asbestos-cement sheets are safe, durable, and vital to India’s affordable housing and infrastructure needs.”
FCPMA reiterated its commitment to strict environmental compliance, worker health programs, and public education on safe use and disposal of asbestos-cement products.
About FCPMA
The Fibre Cement Products Manufacturers Association represents India’s leading
producers of asbestos-cement sheets and fibre-cement products. The industry
supports thousands of livelihoods and plays a key role
in providing affordable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting roofing
solutions for India’s rapidly developing infrastructure.
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