Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Monday stood firm on the state government’s decision to deny fuel to vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
Defending the move, Jena emphasised that the measure is essential to combat the state’s deteriorating air quality.
“This is not a new rule. We wrote a letter to get this implemented so that people without a pollution certificate would not be able to buy petrol or diesel,” Jena told news agency ANI.
Responding to public criticism, he added, “I don’t understand the agitation. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Odisha is poor, and action is necessary.”
The “No PUC, No Fuel” rule is scheduled to take effect across Odisha on February 1. Minister Jena clarified that the policy is an enforcement of existing regulations rather than a new law.
While the government remains committed to the February 1 rollout, the Minister acknowledged public concern regarding high financial penalties and enforcement.
“People are complaining that a hefty fine is being imposed. I will deliberate on this matter,” he said.
Odisha’s policy shift aligns with aggressive environmental measures currently being enforced in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In Delhi, fuel stations are already strictly denying service to vehicles without a valid PUCC under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa recently inspected several fuel stations to ensure compliance with the directive. The Delhi government, through the Department of Environment and Forests, has issued directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, mandating that fuel be dispensed only to vehicles with a valid PUC certificate.
Additionally, the Delhi notification restricts the entry of vehicles registered outside the capital and operating below BS-VI emission standards, and bans trucks carrying construction materials during GRAP Stage IV (Severe+) pollution conditions. These steps follow the Supreme Court’s granting permission to take action against vehicles operating below BS-IV norms in the NCR.
Transport enforcement teams in Delhi-NCR have stepped up checks as part of coordinated efforts to improve air quality.
