Bhubaneswar, December 22: In a significant move to curb rising pollution levels, the Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) has issued a directive that from January 1, 2026, fuel (petrol/diesel) will only be sold to vehicles possessing a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This new regulation aims to ensure compliance with environmental norms and improve public health by reducing vehicular emissions.

A high-level meeting was convened today by Amitabh Thakur, the Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman of the STA, to review the situation and enforce the directive. The rule will apply to all vehicles in Odisha, and oil marketing companies, including IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, and others, will be required to halt fuel sales to vehicles that do not have a valid PUC certificate.

The enforcement of this regulation is part of a broader initiative to combat air pollution and support the state's environmental goals. Additionally, the PUC verification process will be integrated into the e-detection systems at toll gates, making it easier for authorities to monitor compliance.

According to a statement from the STA, "Despite clear statutory provisions, many vehicles continue to operate without valid PUCCs, contributing to environmental degradation and public health risks." The notification further emphasized that under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, every motor vehicle is required to comply with emission standards and carry a valid PUC certificate. Operating a vehicle without this certificate is a violation of the law.

Retail outlets, under the guidance of oil marketing companies, have been instructed to strictly comply with this rule. Fuel will only be dispensed after verifying the validity of the PUC certificate, and the staff at retail outlets will undergo training to ensure proper enforcement.