TNI Bureau: The Odisha government has announced a temporary relaxation in the enforcement of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate norms to address practical difficulties faced by vehicle owners across the state.

Under the decision, no fines will be imposed for the absence of a valid PUC certificate until 1 April 2026. During this period, e-detection systems at toll gates will also remain suspended for identifying PUC-related violations.

Officials said the move was taken after reviewing ground-level challenges in obtaining pollution certificates. At present, only around 21 per cent of vehicles in Odisha hold valid PUC certificates, resulting in widespread non-compliance despite existing regulations.

The state government has also initiated steps to review and rationalise the ₹10,000 penalty prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act for PUC violations, indicating that enforcement mechanisms may be made more practical and citizen-friendly.

However, the government clarified that the relaxation should not be seen as a dilution of environmental norms. Vehicle owners have been strongly advised to avoid using highly polluting vehicles and to remain conscious of their responsibility towards environmental protection.

Authorities have urged the public to utilise the relaxation period to obtain mandatory PUC certificates, warning that strict enforcement will resume after the deadline.

The government reiterated that the temporary relief is aimed at facilitating compliance and improving coverage of PUC certification, while continuing its commitment to controlling vehicular pollution in the state.