In a significant step towards protecting the environment and improving air quality in the transport sector, the Odisha government has directed oil marketing companies to deny fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
The Commerce and Transport Department has issued letters to oil companies, instructing petrol pumps across the state not to dispense petrol or diesel to any motor vehicle lacking a valid PUC certificate. This measure aims to rein in vehicles that violate motor vehicle rules and contribute to pollution.
The initiative comes under the direct supervision of departmental minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and principal secretary Usha Padhee, with a focus on maintaining better air quality standards across Odisha’s districts, particularly reducing pollution caused by vehicular emissions, the State Transport Authority (STA) said in a press note.
As per the Motor Vehicles Act, all vehicles must possess a valid PUC certificate, which requires regular testing at authorised pollution checking centres. Non-compliance can attract legal action.
To strengthen enforcement, e-detection systems at all toll gates now include PUC verification. The department has appealed to vehicle owners to always carry a valid PUC certificate, avoid using polluting vehicles, and contribute to environmental protection.
This move is expected to significantly curb emissions from non-compliant vehicles, promoting cleaner air and greater adherence to pollution norms statewide.
