The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on September 02, 2026, issued the issued the Standard Operating Procedure for installation, dismantling and disposal of asbestos cement roof sheets, asbestos cement wall sheets and asbestos cement pipes.
The proposed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for management of asbestos-containing waste has been developed in response to directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in O.A. No. 298 of 2023. The SOP aims to ensure safe and environmentally sound management of asbestos-containing materials, particularly during their installation, maintenance, dismantling, handling, transportation and disposal.
India does not currently undertake asbestos mining and its requirements are met through imports, with chrysotile asbestos primarily used for cement sheets and pipes. Asbestos-containing waste is classified as hazardous waste under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, where applicable concentration thresholds are met. The rules require such waste to be handled, stored, transported and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner, while import of waste asbestos (dust and fibres) is prohibited.
The SOP covers damaged or discarded asbestos cement roof/wall sheets and asbestos cement pipes generated from domestic, institutional, commercial and water supply/sanitation sectors. It prescribes precautions at different stages, including careful manual handling to prevent fibre release, use of mechanical equipment for large quantities, protection and proper stacking of pipes and sheets, designated clean storage areas, avoidance of dropping or dragging materials, and appropriate disposal of damaged or crushed asbestos materials.
The SOP also emphasizes occupational safety measures, including dust control, exhaust ventilation and appropriate PPE. The prescribed work-environment limit for asbestos is 0.1 fibre/cc, as notified by the Ministry of Labour vide S.O. 3422(E) dated November 4, 2023.
The last date to submit the Comments/Suggestions on Standard Operating Procedure for installation, dismantling and disposal of asbestos cement roof sheets, asbestos cement wall sheets and asbestos cement pipes will be September 19, 2026.
