Bhubaneswar, Jan 9: In a major relief for vehicle owners, the Odisha government has extended the relaxation period for checking Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates until April 1. The decision comes amid growing concerns and inconvenience faced by the public over pollution certificates and e-challans.

Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena announced that the State Transport Authority has been directed not to impose fines for the absence of a PUC certificate during this period. He also ordered a temporary suspension of penalties being issued through e-detection systems at toll gates.

The minister further instructed the department to review the provision of the ₹10,000 fine imposed under the Motor Vehicles Act for not possessing a valid pollution certificate, with a view to reducing the penalty.

Emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility, Minister Jena said that pollution checks are mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act and essential to curb the steadily deteriorating air quality. He noted that only 21 percent of vehicles in Odisha currently possess valid pollution certificates, while a large number continue to violate the norms.

While reiterating the government’s commitment to strict enforcement in the interest of environmental protection, the minister acknowledged the difficulties faced by the public. As a result, the temporary relaxation has been granted to facilitate compliance. Vehicle owners have been urged to use this grace period to obtain valid pollution certificates.