The Odisha transport department has announced the statewide rollout of a new 'green sticker' system designed to visually indicate the validity of a vehicle's Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The initiative is set to begin on January 10, as confirmed by officials on Thursday.
Streamlining Enforcement Ahead of Key Rule
This proactive measure is aimed at ensuring the smooth enforcement of the impending 'no PUCC, no fuel' rule at petrol pumps across the state, which is scheduled to take effect from April 1. The sticker will serve as a quick visual cue for authorities and fuel station attendants.
State Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur outlined the procedure, stating that vehicles obtaining their PUCC on or before January 9 will receive the green sticker from regional transport offices starting January 10. Special counters will be established for this purpose. For vehicles tested on or after January 10, the stickers will be issued directly by the authorized PUC testing centres themselves.
Sticker Details and Clarification on Mandatory Status
Importantly, Thakur clarified that the green sticker is not mandatory. Vehicle owners who do not have the sticker can simply present their valid PUCC certificate, either in physical form or on their mobile phone, during any enforcement check. "It is only a facilitative visual indicator and does not replace the statutory PUCC certificate. Those not having the green sticker shall not be fined by any enforcement authority if they possess a valid PUCC," he emphasized.
The department has prepared a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for hassle-free implementation. Each sticker will be tamper-proof, self-adhesive, and feature a security hologram to prevent counterfeiting. It will also carry a unique serial number and display key details like the vehicle's registration number, PUCC validity date, and the name of the authorised testing centre. Any stickers with overwriting or signs of tampering will be considered invalid.
Transparency and Strict Action Against Fraud
To ensure complete transparency in the process, all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) have been instructed to closely monitor the issuance of these stickers. They are also tasked with conducting regular inspections of the authorised emission testing centres and maintaining proper registers and records.
The transport department has issued a stern warning against any attempts to issue fake or unauthorized stickers. Such actions will invite strict penalties, including cancellation of the PUC centre's authorisation and legal measures under the Motor Vehicles Act. A significant relief for vehicle owners is that the green sticker will be provided free of charge.
This integrated approach of a visual sticker system, coupled with the upcoming fuel sale restriction, marks a significant step by the Odisha government to curb vehicular pollution and ensure better compliance with emission norms across the state.
