No PUCC, no fuel rule: Odisha govt eyes stricter enforcement; implementation still poses a challenge

Fuel stations across Odisha may soon stop supplying petrol and diesel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), as the state government moves to tighten enforcement of motor vehicle and pollution norms amid growing concerns over vehicular emissions. The proposed move is seen as being on the lines of similar measures implemented in the national capital, Delhi.

Under the plan, vehicles found violating pollution norms or contributing to environmental degradation could face restrictions at fuel outlets. The proposal has been welcomed by sections of the public, who see it as a proactive step to prevent pollution levels from worsening in the state.

The move follows earlier directives issued by the state government to petrol pumps, asking them not to supply fuel to riders without helmets and to refrain from dispensing petrol or diesel in plastic bottles. However, officials acknowledged that those measures were not effectively enforced on the ground.

Experts Flag Implementation Challenges

Road safety expert Bikash Mohapatra said the government’s decision was timely, even though Odisha’s pollution levels are not as severe as those in Delhi or states such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

“It is better to remain cautious and curb pollution while there is still an opportunity,” Mohapatra said.

However, he raised concerns over implementation, pointing out that many petrol pumps, especially in rural areas, do not have facilities to check vehicular pollution or issue PUC certificates. He noted that most villages lack authorised PUC centres and suggested that petrol pumps should be mandated to provide PUC testing and certification facilities to ensure smooth compliance.

Public Concern Over Queues and Delays

Mohapatra also cautioned that poor implementation could lead to tense situations at fuel stations and potentially open avenues for corruption, with some outlets allegedly demanding extra money to supply fuel without proper checks. He recommended that the government consider a grace period to give vehicle owners adequate time to comply.

Some residents expressed concern that mandatory PUC checks at fuel stations could result in long queues and traffic congestion, with the process taking up to half an hour in some cases. They fear this could disrupt daily routines if not managed efficiently.

The state government is yet to issue detailed guidelines on the rollout and enforcement of the proposed measure, even as discussions continue on balancing pollution control with practical implementation.