Bhubaneswar, 09 January (H.S.): The Odisha government has decided to temporarily relax the enforcement of penalties related to Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), offering relief to vehicle owners across the state until April 1. Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena has directed that no fines be imposed on vehicles lacking a valid PUCC during this period.

According to the decision, pollution-related challans will not be issued through the e-detection systems installed at toll gates until April 1. The Transport Minister has also instructed enforcement authorities to refrain from levying penalties on vehicles found without valid pollution certificates during the interim phase.

The move follows concerns raised by vehicle owners regarding difficulties in the availability and timely renewal of PUCCs. In response, the Transport Department has been asked to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing penalty framework, including the steep fines currently imposed for non-compliance. At present, vehicles operating without a valid PUCC attract a penalty of ₹10,000. The department has been directed to examine the possibility of rationalising the fine amount and submit its recommendations to the government.

While announcing the relaxation, Minister Jena urged citizens to act responsibly and avoid using vehicles that emit excessive pollution. He stressed that the temporary relief should not be interpreted as a dilution of environmental responsibility or pollution control norms.

The government clarified that the decision is intended to provide adequate time for vehicle owners to obtain or renew their pollution certificates. During the relaxation period, citizens have been advised to get their vehicles tested and ensure

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda