Bhubaneswar, 21 December (H.S.): In a significant move to curb vehicular pollution and strengthen environmental safeguards, the State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha, has directed that petrol and diesel shall not be supplied to vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).

The directive has been communicated to all oil marketing companies operating fuel retail outlets across the state, instructing them to strictly enforce the rule and deny fuel to non-compliant vehicles.

According to official sources, the decision aims to address the growing concern over rising vehicular emissions and to ensure strict adherence to provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

The STA noted that a large number of vehicles continue to operate without a valid PUCC despite clear statutory requirements, thereby contributing to environmental degradation and posing serious public health risks.

Citing Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, read with Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the authority reiterated that all motor vehicles must comply with prescribed emission standards and possess a valid pollution certificate. Operating a vehicle without a valid PUCC constitutes a punishable offence under the law.

“In order to ensure effective enforcement of statutory provisions and strengthen compliance at the ground level, petrol and diesel shall not be dispensed to any motor vehicle which does not possess a valid PUCC,” the notification issued by the Office of the Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman, State Transport Authority, Odisha, stated.

The move is expected to significantly enhance compliance with emission norms and contribute to improved air quality across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda