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Odisha to Deny Fuel Without PUC Certificates, Following Delhi's Pollution Crackdown

Odisha's Transport Minister has defended the state's decision to deny fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate, stating the rule is necessary due to poor air quality. The move, set to begin on February 1, mirrors similar emergency measures already enforced in Delhi to combat pollution. While acknowledging public concerns over penalties, the minister confirmed the rule's implementation but noted a review of fines. This action is part of broader, intensified efforts across regions to enforce emission standards and improve air quality.

Key Points: Odisha Denies Fuel Without PUC Certificates from Feb 1

  • Mandatory PUC for fuel
  • Rule effective Feb 1
  • Mirroring Delhi's measures
  • Review of penalty concerns
2 min read

No fuel without PUC certificate from Feb 1: Odisha Transport Minister defends move amid pollution concerns

Odisha will deny fuel to vehicles without a valid PUC certificate from February 1, mirroring Delhi's anti-pollution measures to combat poor air quality.

"I don't understand why people are agitated by this. The AQI in Odisha is poor. - Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Odisha Transport Minister"

Bhubaneswar, December 29

Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Monday defended the state government's decision to deny petrol and diesel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate, saying the move is not new and is necessary in view of worsening air quality.

"This is not a new rule. We wrote a letter to get this implemented so that people without a pollution certificate would not be able to buy petrol or diesel," Jena told ANI. Questioning the public backlash, he added, "I don't understand why people are agitated by this. The AQI in Odisha is poor."

The minister acknowledged concerns over penalties and enforcement, noting that the issue would be reviewed. "People are complaining that a hefty fine is being imposed. I will deliberate on this matter," he said, while confirming that the rule will come into effect from February 1.

The Odisha government's move comes against the backdrop of intensified anti-pollution measures in the national capital, where authorities have begun strictly enforcing similar norms.

In Delhi, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) are being denied fuel at petrol pumps as part of emergency measures to curb rising pollution levels.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa recently inspected several fuel stations to ensure compliance with the directive. The Delhi government, through the Department of Environment and Forests, has issued directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, mandating that fuel be dispensed only to vehicles with a valid PUC certificate.

Additionally, the Delhi notification restricts the entry of vehicles registered outside the capital and operating below BS-VI emission standards, and bans trucks carrying construction materials during GRAP Stage IV (Severe+) pollution conditions. These steps follow the Supreme Court's granting permission to take action against vehicles operating below BS-IV norms in the NCR.

Transport enforcement teams in Delhi-NCR have stepped up checks as part of coordinated efforts to improve air quality.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good intention, but the implementation worries me. What about people in remote areas where PUC centers are far? The government should first ensure easy access to testing before such a harsh penalty.
R
Rohit P
Finally! So many vehicles, especially old trucks and autos, spew black smoke right in front of traffic police and nothing happens. This 'no PUC, no fuel' rule will hit them where it hurts. Delhi is already doing it.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Bhubaneswar, the air quality difference from my hometown is noticeable. Public health has to come first. The minister is right to question why people are agitated over a basic civic duty.
V
Vikram M
The idea is good but the timing and fines are problematic. Many are still recovering financially. A massive awareness campaign with a 1-month grace period would be better than just slapping a rule from Feb 1. The minister should reconsider the hefty fines.
K
Karthik V
This will only work if the PUC centers themselves are honest. We all know many give certificates without proper testing for a little extra cash. The system needs to be cleaned up first, otherwise it's just harassment for common people.

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