NGT Mandates Asbestos Safety Measures, Gradual Phase-Out

On October 31, 2025, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruled against an immediate nationwide ban on the use of asbestos in construction, citing concerns over potential disruption to livelihoods. However, the tribunal has ordered a series of targeted measures to address health and environmental risks associated with asbestos.

The NGT acknowledged the medical evidence linking asbestos exposure to serious lung diseases, including cancer. Yet, the bench determined that an outright ban could have significant economic consequences. Instead, the tribunal has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to issue detailed safety regulations within the next 3 months, covering the entire asbestos lifecycle from mining to disposal.

Manufacturers and users of asbestos-containing products will be required to run training and awareness programs, with a special focus on rural areas. Additionally, the Environment Ministry and CPCB have been tasked with developing a phase-out plan for the use of asbestos in new public infrastructure projects within the next 6 months. This could potentially extend to the phasing out of asbestos roofs in schools in the future.

State pollution control boards will be responsible for conducting regular inspections and enforcing compliance with the new safety protocols. A national oversight committee, headed by a judicial member, will also be established to monitor progress and build a database of asbestos sites requiring clean-up.