Bhubaneswar, 24 December (H.S.): In view of the inconvenience faced by the general public in obtaining Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) for motor vehicles, the state government has deferred the decision to deny fuel to vehicles without a valid pollution certificate. The regulation, which was earlier scheduled to come into effect from January, will now be implemented from February 1.

The decision was taken following public demands and on the direction of Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena. During the intervening period, the Transport Department has urged vehicle owners to get their vehicles tested and obtain valid pollution certificates in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Officials expressed hope that the extension would allow vehicle owners to complete the pollution testing process conveniently and without confusion. The department has clarified that no petrol pump can refuse fuel to any vehicle for lack of a pollution certificate before February 1.

The government has also decided to undertake a wide-scale public awareness campaign during this period to educate citizens about pollution norms and their responsibilities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda