Odisha relaxes PUCC penalty enforcement till April 1

The Odisha government has decided to relax enforcement of pollution-related penalties till April 1, providing temporary relief to vehicle owners across the state. Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena has directed that no fines be imposed for the absence of a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) during this period.

As per the decision, pollution challans will not be issued through the e-detection system installed at toll gates until April 1. The minister has instructed transport authorities not to levy penalties on vehicles found without valid pollution certificates during this interim phase. The move comes amid concerns raised by vehicle owners regarding the availability and renewal of PUCCs.

The Transport Minister has also ordered a detailed review of the existing pollution penalty structure, including the high amount of fines currently imposed for non-compliance. At present, vehicles without a valid PUCC are liable to a fine of Rs 10,000. The department has been asked to examine the possibility of reducing the penalty amount and submit its recommendations.

While announcing the relaxation, the minister appealed to citizens not to use vehicles that emit excessive pollution and contribute to environmental degradation. He emphasized that the relaxation should not be misconstrued as a waiver of responsibility towards protecting the environment.

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The government has clarified that the decision is aimed at providing sufficient time for vehicle owners to obtain or renew their pollution certificates. During this period, citizens have been advised to ensure compliance with pollution norms by getting their vehicles tested and securing valid PUCCs.

Officials said that enforcement of pollution certificate checks will resume after April 1, following which strict action may be taken against violators.