Odisha Mandates Fuel Dispensers Check PUC Certificates

The government of Odisha has issued a directive mandating that oil marketing companies (OMCs) refrain from dispensing petrol and diesel to vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This decision, communicated by the Chairman of the State Transport Authority (STA), Amitabh Thakur, aims to address the growing concerns regarding environmental degradation and public health risks associated with unregulated vehicle emissions.

In a letter sent on December 20, 2023, Thakur requested that major OMCs, including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, adhere to this new policy. He emphasized that a significant number of vehicles are currently operating without valid PUC certificates, which violates the regulations set forth in the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989. Under these laws, all motor vehicles are required to meet prescribed emission standards and possess a valid PUC certificate.

Thakur stated, “Operation of a motor vehicle without a valid PUC certificate is an offence.” He instructed the OMCs to ensure that fuel is only dispensed after verifying the validity of the PUC certificates presented by customers. This measure is intended to strengthen compliance with environmental regulations at the ground level.

The letter further noted that any non-compliance with this directive would be taken seriously, urging OMCs to implement rigorous internal controls and disciplinary mechanisms. Thakur’s communication underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing air quality and public health standards through stringent regulatory enforcement.

In a related move, the Delhi government recently enforced a similar ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule, reflecting a broader trend across Indian states to combat air pollution. With air quality concerns on the rise, the Odisha government’s decision to enforce these regulations highlights the urgent need for effective measures to mitigate environmental impact.

As the initiative progresses, compliance from both consumers and fuel retailers will be crucial. The Odisha government is expected to monitor the situation closely to ensure that these measures lead to tangible improvements in air quality and public health across the state.