The National Green Tribunal has expressed serious concern over asbestos roofs in schools across the country and has directed the Central Government to take concrete steps on this matter. The matter came to light after hearing a petition by a visiting faculty member of the School of Planning and Architecture, who said that asbestos roofs were extremely dangerous for the health of children.
The petition filed in NGT said that the fine fibers emanating from asbestos can cause serious problems like lung diseases and cancer in the long run. NGT accepted that asbestos fiber comes in the category of air pollution and environmental pollutant.
Important order of NGT in the matter
NGT said that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos for children. NGT also acknowledged that in the year 2011, the Supreme Court had not imposed a complete ban on asbestos in the Kalyaneshwari case, but under the precautionary principle, the government now needs to take more strict steps.
NGT’s instructions to the central government
While hearing the case, NGT has directed the Environment, Housing and Education Ministries to together make a national policy for planned replacement of asbestos sheets in schools. Conduct a scientific study on the health effects of old asbestos roofs on children.
Prepare SOP for safe removal of asbestos sheets. NGT said that this step is very important for the health of children and safe learning environment. NGT has asked the Central Government to take swift action in this matter.