Bhubaneswar, April 3:
The State Transport Authority (STA), in coordination with the Odisha Police, has intensified enforcement drives across Odisha to ensure strict compliance with Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) norms after the relaxation period ended on April 1.
According to officials, vehicles found violating emission rules will face penalties of up to ₹10,000 under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
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Strict Checking Across State
Authorities have launched widespread checking drives at major traffic junctions and highways. The enforcement includes both:
- Physical inspections by traffic police
- Automated e-detection systems
The move aims to reduce rising vehicular pollution and enforce environmental regulations more effectively.
A senior STA official stated that after multiple extensions and awareness campaigns, strict action has now been initiated across both urban and rural areas.
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AI-Based Monitoring & E-Detection
Traffic officials confirmed that advanced surveillance systems are now being used to identify vehicles without valid PUCC.
Tapan Mohanty said that earlier checks were mostly manual, but now automated detection systems can flag vehicles passing through monitored zones without proper documents.
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Rush at PUCC Centres
Following the strict enforcement, PUCC centres in cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have witnessed a significant surge in visitors.
Operators reported long queues, especially from two-wheeler owners who had delayed obtaining certificates during the relaxation period.
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Public Reaction Mixed
Motorists have expressed mixed reactions to the crackdown:
- Some admitted delaying PUCC renewal and rushed to avoid fines
- Others supported the move, citing rising pollution levels
A commuter said stricter rules are necessary but urged the government to simplify the process rather than create pressure.
Government Advisory
Officials have urged all vehicle owners to keep their documents updated, including:
- PUCC certificate
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance papers
Authorities emphasized that compliance is not just about avoiding penalties but also about protecting public health and the environment.
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Conclusion
With enforcement set to continue in the coming days, the Odisha government is clearly signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward pollution violations, aiming to create cleaner and safer urban environments.
