Bhubaneswar, December 20: In a move to combat vehicular pollution, the State Transport Authority (STA) of Odisha has mandated that vehicles must present a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) to receive petrol or diesel.

The STA has instructed oil marketing companies to refuse fuel to vehicles lacking a valid PUCC, aiming to reduce emissions and enforce the Motor Vehicles Act. Despite existing regulations, many vehicles are still operating without the required certificates, contributing to environmental harm and health risks.

The STA referenced Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, emphasizing that driving without a valid PUCC is illegal. Retail outlets in Odisha have been directed to verify PUCC validity before dispensing fuel, with a stern warning against non-compliance.