In a major escalation of environmental enforcement and a move aimed at curbing vehicular pollution, the State Transport Authority (STA) of Odisha has mandated a “no PUC, no fuel” policy across the state.
Under the new directive issued on Saturday, the state government strictly prohibits retail fuel outlets from dispensing petrol or diesel to any vehicle that does not have a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). It has also asked all oil marketing companies to enforce the rule at retail outlets across the state.
The directive has been formally communicated to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), Reliance Industries Ltd, Shell India Markets Pvt. Ltd and all other oil marketing companies operating fuel stations in Odisha.
The STA, in the order, flagged widespread non-compliance with emission norms, noting that “a significant number of motor vehicles are operating without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), thereby contributing to environmental degradation and public health risks.”
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Legal mandate and enforcement
The STA cited Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, as the legal foundation for the move. The authority noted that a significant number of vehicles are operating illegally without valid certificates, contributing to environmental decay and public health hazards.
The STA underlined that “operation of a motor vehicle without a valid PUCC constitutes an offence under the said Act and Rules.”
“To ensure effective enforcement of the above statutory provisions and to strengthen compliance at the ground level,” the order stated, “it is hereby instructed that petrol/diesel shall not be dispensed to any motor vehicle which does not possess a valid PUCC.”
The STA has asked oil companies to issue immediate instructions to all their retail outlet franchisees and dealers in Odisha.
As per the order, fuel outlets must ensure that fuel is dispensed “only after verifying the validity of PUCC of the vehicle,” while also carrying out “adequate sensitization of retail outlet staff… regarding the legal requirement and procedure.”
The authority also warned that violations would be taken seriously, adding that “non-compliance, if noticed, is viewed seriously and dealt with as per your internal control and disciplinary mechanisms.”
The Transport Commissioner emphasized that this measure is part of a larger push toward road safety and environmental compliance.
“The above measure is intended to support the State’s efforts towards pollution control, road safety, and compliance with environmental norms,” the order said, seeking the cooperation of oil marketing companies “in the larger public interest.”
The copies of the directive have been forwarded to the Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Department and the Commerce & Transport Department of the Odisha government for information.
To ensure smooth implementation, the STA written to the Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association, requesting it to circulate the order among its members to ensure strict implementation.
