In a decisive step to address deteriorating air quality, the Odisha government has ordered all fuel stations across the state to stop selling petrol and diesel to vehicles that do not possess a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. The directive was issued by the state's commerce and transport department on Saturday.
Strict Directive from Transport Minister
The order comes directly from Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and applies to all oil marketing companies operating within Odisha. Principal Secretary Usha Padhee of the department will oversee the implementation of this significant measure. The move is designed to ensure strict adherence to the Motor Vehicles Act, which requires regular pollution checks at authorized testing centers.
How the New Rule Will Be Enforced
The directive explicitly instructs fuel station attendants to deny fuel to any motor vehicle that fails to present a valid PUC certificate. This action is part of a larger strategy to curb vehicular emissions, a primary contributor to air pollution, especially in urban areas. The state government also plans to integrate PUC verification into the electronic detection systems at toll gates for more stringent monitoring.
Officials believe this initiative will play a crucial role in maintaining and improving air quality standards across Odisha. A statement from the department highlighted that the proactive approach seeks not only to reduce pollution but also to encourage citizens to participate actively in environmental protection efforts.
Appeal to Vehicle Owners
The transport department has issued a strong appeal to all vehicle owners, urging them to keep their PUC certificates up-to-date and to refrain from using vehicles that contribute to environmental degradation. Principal Secretary Usha Padhee emphasized that this rule is a collective step towards a cleaner, healthier Odisha.
This enforcement is expected to significantly increase compliance rates for pollution checks, making the state's fight against air pollution more effective. The success of the initiative hinges on cooperation from both oil companies and the public.
