Archive · 5 Nov 2025
NGT Directs Review of Asbestos Use in Schools, Urges Precautionary Approach
Imagine some roofs are made with a material called asbestos, which can be bad for your health if it breaks apart and floats in the air.
The big green court, called the NGT, told the government to look at all the science and what other countries do.
They need to decide if this asbestos material is safe for kids in schools and people at home.
The court said we should be careful, like putting on a helmet before riding a bike, just in case it's dangerous.
But, they also said we don't have to rip off all the roofs right away because we don't have perfect proof it's bad all the time.
The companies that make these roofs say they are safe when used normally.
So, the government has to study everything and make a smart plan for the future to keep everyone healthy.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to review scientific data and global practices on asbestos use within six months.
The directive aims to inform a policy decision on the permissibility of asbestos-cement roofing sheets and other asbestos-based materials in schools, homes, and buildings.
The NGT emphasized the precautionary principle, prioritizing children's health while noting that an immediate, nationwide ban on asbestos roofing is not currently warranted due to a lack of specific scientific evidence.
The Ministry is also tasked with developing guidelines for the safe management, installation, maintenance, dismantling, and disposal of asbestos products.
The asbestos-cement industry argued that their products are safe during normal use and comply with existing regulations, highlighting their economic viability and the potential impact of abrupt restrictions.
- Who
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- What
- Directed the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to review scientific material and global best practices regarding the use of asbestos-cement roofing sheets and other asbestos-based materials.
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- India
- Why
- To assess the safety of asbestos use, particularly in schools, and to develop appropriate policies and guidelines, applying the precautionary principle for public health.
Precautionary Principle (NGT)
Industry Standards & Economic Viability (FCPMA)
Safety of Children
Precautionary Principle (NGT)
The health of children must be given paramount importance. In the face of scientific uncertainty, the benefit of doubt must go to public health, necessitating precautionary regulation.
Industry Standards & Economic Viability (FCPMA)
Asbestos-cement sheets are safe during normal use as fibers are bound within cement and not released into the air under ordinary conditions. Members comply with all environmental and occupational safety standards.
Policy on Asbestos Use
Precautionary Principle (NGT)
The government should follow the precautionary principle, but an immediate discontinuance or replacement of asbestos roofing is not warranted at this stage due to lack of specific scientific evidence.
Industry Standards & Economic Viability (FCPMA)
Any abrupt restrictions could adversely impact employment and small-scale manufacturing units. A balanced and science-based policy approach is urged.
Economic and Practical Considerations
Precautionary Principle (NGT)
While not explicitly stated, the NGT emphasizes public health over economic considerations by invoking the precautionary principle.
Industry Standards & Economic Viability (FCPMA)
Asbestos-cement products are economically viable, durable, and widely used in rural and semi-urban housing.
- Issuing Body
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- Date of Directive
- Wednesday
- Key Directive
- Review scientific material and global best practices on asbestos use within six months.
- Recipient of Directive
- Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
- Areas of Concern
- Asbestos-cement roofing sheets and other asbestos-based materials in schools, residential houses, and buildings.
- Industry Association
- Fibre Cement Products Manufacturers' Association (FCPMA)