The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at regulating the installation, dismantling, and disposal of asbestos roof sheets and wall sheets, and is inviting comments and suggestions from the public.
In a notification dated May 21, 2025, the CPCB announced the release of this draft SOP, seeking input from stakeholders and the general public to ensure its effectiveness and practicality.
Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals, possesses commercially valuable properties such as fineness, flexibility, tensile strength, and resistance to heat and corrosion. However, its handling requires careful procedures due to potential health hazards associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
The draft SOP likely outlines step-by-step procedures and safety measures to be followed during the installation of new asbestos sheets, the dismantling of existing structures containing asbestos, and the safe disposal of asbestos-containing materials. These guidelines are crucial to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers, which are known to cause serious respiratory diseases and cancer.
The CPCB is urging all interested parties to review the draft SOP and provide their feedback and suggestions within by May 30, 2025. Comments can be submitted via email to:
- prasoon.cpcb@nic.in (Sh. Prasoon Gargava, Scientist ‘F’, IPC-II Division)
- vkupadhyay.cpcb@gov.in (Sh. Vinay K Upadhyay, Scientist ‘C’, IPC-II Division)
Alternatively, written feedback can be sent to:
Director & Divisional Head IPC-II Division Central Pollution Control Board Parivesh Bhawan East Arjun Nagar Delhi – 110032
The CPCB’s initiative to develop and seek public input on this SOP highlights the importance of establishing clear and comprehensive guidelines for managing asbestos-containing materials to protect public health and the environment. The final SOP is expected to serve as a crucial reference for various stakeholders involved in the handling of asbestos roof and wall sheets.
