Important Facts of the News
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed removal of asbestos roofing from school buildings across India.
- The order applies to both government and private schools.
- Schools have been given up to one year to replace unsafe asbestos sheets.
- If the sheet is intact and undamaged, it may be retained after applying protective coating or paint.
- Damaged asbestos sheets must be removed only by certified professionals while keeping them wet to prevent fiber spread.
- School staff will be provided training on asbestos-related risks and safety measures.
- State Pollution Control Boards must conduct regular inspections and maintain waste disposal records.
- Asbestos waste must be sealed in containers and disposed of only in licensed hazardous waste facilities.
- NGT has directed the environment ministry, urban development ministry, and CPCB to review scientific evidence and global practices and submit a report within six months.
- This decision was issued by a bench comprising Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad.
In a significant step focused on the health and safety of school children, the National Green Tribunal has instructed that asbestos roofing materials be phased out from school buildings across India. These asbestos sheets, commonly used in roof construction, release microscopic fibers that can enter the lungs and cause serious respiratory diseases, especially among children whose bodies are more vulnerable to such exposure.
NGT Sets a One-Year Deadline for Schools
The directive applies to both government-run and privately managed schools. They have been given a maximum of one year to replace unsafe asbestos roofs with safe and non-hazardous alternatives. The tribunal clarified that asbestos sheets in good condition may remain only if they are coated with paint or a protective layer to prevent fiber leakage. However, if the material is damaged or worn out, it must be removed immediately using proper safety procedures.
Only Certified Professionals Allowed for Removal
The tribunal emphasized that the removal or repair work must not be done by ordinary workers. Schools are required to hire certified professionals trained in asbestos-handling. During removal, the sheets must be kept moist to prevent airborne fiber release, which is the primary health risk associated with asbestos. Additionally, training programs will be organized for school staff to ensure awareness of safety guidelines and health risks.
Strict Monitoring and Waste Disposal Procedures
State Pollution Control Boards have been instructed to conduct periodic inspections and maintain records of disposal practices. The tribunal observed that despite a 2011 restriction by the Supreme Court, many institutions continue to use asbestos, largely due to weak oversight and slow policy implementation. To address this gap, the tribunal directed that asbestos waste be packed in sealed containers, transported in covered vehicles, clearly labeled, and disposed of only at licensed hazardous waste facilities.
Scientific Review and Policy Development Ahead
The environment ministry, urban development ministry, and Central Pollution Control Board have been asked to jointly review international scientific literature and global practices related to asbestos use. A policy framework aimed at gradually discontinuing asbestos use in schools, homes, and public buildings is to be drafted and submitted within six months.
This directive has been issued under existing environmental protection and pollution prevention laws, reinforcing public health safeguards in educational spaces.
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