TNI Bureau: In a major step to curb vehicular pollution and improve air quality, the Odisha government has decided that motor vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be supplied fuel at petrol pumps across the state.

Keeping environmental protection in the transport sector in focus, the Commerce and Transport Department has issued instructions to oil marketing companies in this regard. The decision has been taken under the direction of Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and with the direct supervision of Principal Secretary Usha Padhee.

As per the communication sent to fuel retailers, petrol and diesel must not be sold to any motor vehicle that does not possess a valid pollution certificate. The move aims to put a check on vehicles that violate motor vehicle rules and contribute to rising air pollution.

Officials said the initiative is expected to help improve air quality standards in various districts of Odisha by reducing pollution caused by the transport sector. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, carrying a valid pollution certificate is mandatory, and vehicle owners are required to get their vehicles tested at registered pollution testing centres at regular intervals.

The department has also reiterated that vehicles found without valid pollution certificates are liable for legal action as per existing laws. To strengthen enforcement, pollution certificate verification has been integrated into the e-detection system at toll gates across the state.

The Commerce and Transport Department has appealed to all vehicle users to always carry a valid pollution certificate, avoid using polluting vehicles, and actively contribute to environmental protection.