The verdict in Dr. Raja Singh v. Union of India & Others (O.A. No. 298/2023) was issued after an extensive scientific evaluation by a multi-disciplinary Expert Committee constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), pursuant to directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Experts Find No Evidence of Health Risk from Asbestos-Cement Sheets Under Normal Use

The expert committee found no data or evidence linking asbestos-cement roofing to health hazards in non-industrial settings such as schools and other educational institutions. The report stated:

“Asbestosis may be a problem in occupational exposure in employees if exposed to high concentrations of asbestos dust over a prolonged period. There is no evidence to suggest that asbestos-cement sheets in normal use cause any harm, irrespective of use for any length of time over decades.”

Experts also confirmed that airborne fiber levels under normal use are well below permissible limits, and that asbestos fibres are locked within the cement matrix, making the material stable, durable, and non-friable, and that any potential risk can be minimised through safe handling during installation and removal.

NGT Favors Scientific Regulation Over Blanket Ban

The Tribunal observed that safe handling and adherence to BIS standards (IS 11769:1987 and IS 459:1992) and other regulations laid out in our country ensure exposure much less than the permissible level and environmental safety. It cautioned that unscientific/ unjustified bans could harm affordable infrastructure development, particularly in rural India, where asbestos-cement roofing provides cost-effective and climate-resilient shelter.

The NGT’s approach underscores the need for evidence-based policy and ongoing monitoring, rather than prohibition unsupported by data.

The Tribunal has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to “Review the entire scientific evidence/material available and also review global best practices within 06 months and to take appropriate decision and make appropriate policies permitting/minimizing use of asbestos cement roofing sheets and other asbestos contained material in schools, residential houses and other buildings, and proper management and disposal of asbestos waste in accordance with its vison statement with an action plan and appropriate time lines and “Issue detailed guidelines for the manufacture, installation, maintenance, dismantling, and disposal” of asbestos-containing materials to ensure environmental safety and protection of public health.

Industry Welcomes the Decision

The industry has welcomed the NGT’s ruling as a strong affirmation of science-based regulation, safety, and sustainable development.

It stated, “The judgment reaffirms decades of responsible manufacturing and effective regulatory oversight,” adding that “asbestos-cement sheets continue to be safe, durable, and vital to meeting India’s affordable housing and infrastructure needs.”

The industry further reaffirmed its commitment to high environmental standards, worker health and safety, and public awareness initiatives promoting the safe use, handling, and disposal of asbestos-cement products.

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Adani Cement was the lead cement supplier in the project with ~65,000 metric tonnes, making it a key contributor to the structural backbone of the bridge. The cement supplied was Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 43 Grade, known for its high strength, durability, and consistent quality, making it ideal for complex and large-scale infrastructure exposed to extreme climatic and geological conditions.

Mr Vinod Bahety, CEO – Cement Business, Adani Group, said, “It is a matter of immense pride for us to be part of a project that not only redefines engineering boundaries but also contributes to national integration. At Adani Cement, we believe that every bag of cement carries the weight of the nation’s progress. The Chenab Bridge is a shining example of how our commitment to quality, consistency, and timely delivery supports India’s infrastructure story.”

Spanning the formidable terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge is a triumph of design, execution, and resilience. A vital part of the Indian Railways’ ambitious infrastructure expansion in the region, the bridge stands as a testament to India’s resolve to connect its remotest geographies through world-class infrastructure. The execution of this engineering feat was anchored by Indian Railways.

This milestone reinforces Adani Cement’s position as a preferred partner in nation-building, from urban skylines to remote frontiers. As India builds faster, stronger, and more sustainably, Adani Cement remains committed to delivering the foundation for growth, resilience, and transformation.

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EEP’s inclusion in the Skill India initiative as well as the Manthan initiative, overseen by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, underscores its growing national relevance. EEP offers short-term residential courses, which blend academic rigour with real-world application. The first two editions of the EEP were designed and conducted in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, followed by IIT Gandhinagar, and most recently at IISc Bangalore.

Looking ahead, IIT Madras is being considered as a potential host for upcoming sessions, further expanding the programme’s academic reach and impact. Since 2020, EEP has trained over 2,000 practising civil engineers and architects, with 175 professionals completing the programme in the 2024 edition.

Participants gain advanced skills in asset management, sustainable construction, and emerging technologies—earning recognised certifications that boost industry readiness. The programme also fosters peer learning and collaboration, building a community of professionals equipped to lead India’s infrastructure transformation.

Adani Cement is setting a benchmark in industry-led skill development through its support for programmes such as the EEP, reinforcing its role in building a stronger, self-reliant nation.

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The implementation includes cutting-edge modules for Maintenance, Sales, Distribution, Finance, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, and HR Management (HRM). These solutions enable Prism Johnson to integrate its business and workforce operations seamlessly, enhancing productivity and operational agility.

Industry-specific tools such as Ramco’s Contract Labour Management System, GIS-enabled applications, and an Interactive Business Intelligence System equip Prism Johnson with a 360-degree operational view, ensuring agility and on-the-go enterprise transactions.

Additionally, Ramco’s Process Suite Advanced Process Control Expert Optimizers for mills and kilns and its Real-Time Integrator module enable seamless IT-OT integration, elevating operational efficiency to industry standards.

Mr. Raakesh Jain, Executive Director and CEO, of the Cement Division, Prism Johnson Limited, stated, “The completion of Project Nayi Disha Digital Transformation for our Cement Division is a pivotal achievement in our journey. Ramco’s comprehensive ERP and HRM suites, along with its industry expertise, have been instrumental in enabling this transformation, positioning us to unlock greater efficiency, workforce productivity, and agility.”

Balaji R, Head of Ramco Core ERP Software, Ramco Systems, commented, “The go-live of Ramco ERP at Prism Johnson reflects our commitment to delivering value-driven solutions tailored to the cement industry. Our integrated platform provides unparalleled data visibility and workforce management capabilities, empowering Prism Johnson to maintain its leadership in building materials.”

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Duraguard Microfiber Cement leverages the concept of using fibers for concrete reinforcement that emerged in the 1960s to revolutionize the Indian cement market. This fiber-based cement significantly enhances the bonding process, improves crack resistance, reduces permeability, improves impact strength and durability, and delivers a smoother surface finish.

A distinctive feature of Duraguard Microfiber Cement is the visible presence of fibers in the product, which act as micro-reinforcing agents, enabling the cement to withstand seepage, dampness, cracks, shrinkage, and thermal stresses over the years. Manufactured from high-quality clinker with 48-52% Tricalcium Silicate (C3S) and low Tricalcium Aluminate (C3A), the cement contains high-quality electrostatically precipitated dry fly ash, meeting the highest quality standards.

Duraguard Microfiber Cement finds applications in every stage of construction, from laying foundations to plastering and roof-casting, providing long-lasting protection against micro-cracks. As a result, structures benefit from increased service life and reduced maintenance costs.

Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas, expressed his delight, stating, “At Nuvoco, customer experience is paramount to our success, which is why we prioritize innovation. The awarded patent validates our unwavering commitment to innovation and keeps us in the forefront of pioneering advancements in the cement industry delivering exceptional quality and responsible business practices.“

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is a cement manufacturing company with a vision to build a safer, smarter, and sustainable world. Nuvoco started its operations in 2014 through a greenfield cement plant in Nimbol, Rajasthan, and further acquired Lafarge India Limited, which entered India in 1999, and Emami Cement Ltd. in 2020. Today, Nuvoco is India’s 5th largest Cement Group in terms of capacity (23.8 MMTPA) with an INR 10,586 crore total revenue from operations in FY23, and is among the leading players in East India.

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