Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to alleviate public concern and address logistical challenges, the State Transport Department has officially postponed the implementation of the “no pollution certificate, no fuel” rule. Originally scheduled to take effect in January, the enforcement of this mandate has now been moved to 1 February.
State Transport Commissioner Shri Amitabh Thakur confirmed that this decision follows direct instructions from the Minister for Commerce and Transport, Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, in response to feedback from citizens and various stakeholder groups.
The initial announcement of the January deadline had triggered a surge of vehicle owners at testing centers, leading to reports of technical glitches in the verification process and long queues. Recognizing these public-facing issues, the department opted for a one-month extension to ensure a smoother transition. During this additional window, the government aims to focus on facilitating convenience rather than immediate enforcement, allowing vehicle owners ample time to comply with the requirements of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Shri Thakur emphasized that the primary goal of the extension is to prevent public confusion and ensure that every vehicle owner has a fair opportunity to secure a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. He clarified that until the new February deadline, no petrol pump or fuel station across the state has the authority to deny fuel to motorists based on the status of their pollution documentation. This grace period serves as a vital buffer for those who have faced difficulties in accessing testing facilities or whose data has not yet been updated in the centralized system.
To maximize the impact of this extension, the Department of Commerce and Transport is set to launch a series of extensive awareness programs. These initiatives are designed to educate the public on the environmental importance of pollution checks and the legal necessity of maintaining updated certificates. Officials believe that by shifting the focus toward awareness and education throughout January, compliance rates will improve naturally, reducing the likelihood of friction between fuel station operators and the public when the rule finally takes effect.
Transport authorities have urged all vehicle owners to utilize this time wisely and avoid a last-minute rush as the new February deadline approaches. By ensuring that testing centers are fully operational and that the verification infrastructure is robust, the department hopes to implement the policy seamlessly. For now, motorists are encouraged to visit authorized centers at their earliest convenience to contribute to the broader goal of reducing vehicular emissions and improving air quality across the state.