Bhubaneswar, December 24: The Odisha Government on Wednesday announced extension of the validity period for Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) by one month till January 31.

Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena said that the decision was taken in order to ensure that vehicle owners update their pollution certificates and other mandatory vehicle documents during the period.

“Considering the problems faced by the general public regarding verification of motor vehicle pollution certificates, the implementation of the decision to deny fuel to vehicles without a valid PUC certificate deferred for one month. Earlier, it was decided to implement this from January. So, no petrol pump is allowed to refuse fuel to anyone on the grounds of not having a pollution certificate till January 31,” said Jena.

Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate may face a fine of up to Rs 10,000. The State Transport Authority on December 20 had asked oil marketing companies, such as Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum, not to provide fuel to vehicles whose PUC certificates have expired.

It also announced that heavy fines would be imposed on vehicles plying without valid PUC certificates from January 1.

The Minister also said that the one-month grace period will enable vehicle owners to update their documents like Registration Certificates (RC), fitness certificates, PUC, and vehicle insurance without facing immediate penalties.

During this period, it has also been decided to undertake extensive public awareness programs regarding pollution certificates, said the Minister.

The Minister’s announcement came amid reports of heavy rush at pollution testing centres after the State Government announced that vehicles without a valid PUC certificate will not be given fuel at filling stations from January 1. Long queues and extended waiting hours have left many motorists frustrated.