Odisha; No valid Pollution under Control Certificate No Fuel
Bureau,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar/Berhampur,(23/12/25):Odisha’s State Transport Authority (STA) has implemented a strict “No PUCC, No Fuel” rule, mandating that all petrol pumps refuse petrol/diesel to vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), effective immediately and with full enforcement from Jan 1, 2026, to curb vehicular pollution, citing MV Act, integrating digital checks at toll gates, and ensuring cleaner air.
A high-level meeting was convened today by Amitabh Thakur,IPS, the Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman of the STA, to review the situation and enforce the directive.
The rule will apply to all vehicles in Odisha, and oil marketing companies, including IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, and others, will be required to halt fuel sales to vehicles that do not have a valid PUC certificate.
The enforcement of this regulation is part of a broader initiative to combat air pollution and support the state’s environmental goals. Additionally, the PUC verification process will be integrated into the e-detection systems at toll gates, making it easier for authorities to monitor compliance.
Retail outlets, under the guidance of oil marketing companies, have been instructed to strictly comply with this rule. Fuel will only be dispensed after verifying the validity of the PUC certificate, and the staff at retail outlets will undergo training to ensure proper enforcement.
STA chairman and transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur ,IPS,expressed concern over the large number of vehicles plying without valid emission clearance, saying such violations contribute directly to environmental degradation and pose serious public health risks(!).
According to sources, enforcement of emission norms on the ground has remained weak, prompting the STA to link fuel dispensing to PUCC verification as a more stringent compliance mechanism. Petrol and diesel will be dispensed only after the validity of the vehicle’s pollution certificate is once confirm.
The directive cites Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, read with Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which mandate that every motor vehicle must meet prescribed emission standards and possess a valid PUCC. Operating a vehicle without a certificate is a punishable offence under the law.
The Chairman, STA, further clarified that the measure is aimed at strengthening pollution control, improving road safety, and ensuring adherence to environmental regulations across Odisha.
Meanwhile, the Commerce and Transport department has appealed to vehicle owners to always carry a valid PUCC and avoid using polluting vehicles. The department has also incorporated PUCC inspections into the e-detection system at all toll gates across the state.
photo;MNC
