Hyderabad Transport Department Implements Digital Integration for Pollution Control Centres
In a significant move to combat air pollution and enhance transparency, the Hyderabad transport department has announced the integration of pollution data from 400 authorized Pollution Under Control (PUC) centres directly with its central dashboard and database. This initiative comes amid growing concerns about human intervention and alleged manipulation in the issuance of PUC certificates, which has raised questions about the credibility of the existing emission testing system.
Real-Time Data Transmission Eliminates Manual Intervention
Under the newly implemented system, pollution testing devices at all PUC centres across Hyderabad will be digitally linked to the transport department's servers. When the testing probe is connected to a vehicle's silencer, emission readings will be automatically captured and transmitted in real time to the central database. This technological advancement completely removes the possibility of manual entry or human interference during the certification process, ensuring that data remains accurate and untampered.
Transport officials have confirmed that PUC certificates will only be generated after the system validates the emission data, creating a more transparent and reliable framework for vehicle pollution testing. This development addresses longstanding concerns that numerous vehicles with emission levels exceeding permissible limits have been obtaining PUC certificates through improper influence at testing centres.
Addressing Discrepancies Between Compliance Records and Actual Pollution
The decision to implement this digital integration follows observations that official records continue to show high compliance rates despite increasing vehicular pollution in Hyderabad. This discrepancy has prompted authorities to take concrete steps toward establishing a more accountable system that accurately reflects the city's pollution reality.
"We believe this initiative will significantly improve air quality, enhance accountability among PUC centres, and support enforcement agencies in identifying highly polluting vehicles on city roads," stated a senior transport department official. "With this integration, manipulation at the centre level will be completely eliminated. The data will flow directly from the testing machine to our servers, ensuring that only vehicles meeting emission norms receive proper certification."
PUC Certificate Requirements and Compliance Framework
For newly registered vehicles, the first PUC certificate remains valid for one year from the date of registration. Following this initial period, vehicle owners must renew their PUC certificates every six months to maintain compliance with pollution control regulations.
Officials emphasized that a valid PUC certificate is not merely a requirement for driving but is also mandatory for vehicle insurance renewal and fitness certification. This interconnected compliance framework underscores the importance of accurate pollution testing in maintaining overall vehicle regulation standards.
Hyderabad's Ageing Vehicle Challenge and Pollution Burden
Hyderabad currently faces a substantial pollution challenge from over 20 lakh vehicles that are more than 15 years old, significantly contributing to the city's deteriorating air quality. This ageing vehicle population includes approximately 17 lakh two-wheelers, 3.5 lakh cars, nearly one lakh goods vehicles, 20,000 auto-rickshaws, and about 2,000 cabs.
Transport authorities have noted that many of these older vehicles, particularly goods carriers, RTC buses, and older four-wheelers, emit thick smoke and frequently lack mandatory fitness certificates and green tax compliance. This non-compliance further exacerbates air quality issues in Hyderabad, making the new digital integration system particularly crucial for identifying and addressing pollution from these ageing vehicles.
The implementation of this real-time data transmission system represents a proactive approach by Hyderabad's transport department to leverage technology for environmental protection. By eliminating human intervention in pollution certification and creating a transparent data flow from testing devices to central servers, authorities aim to restore public confidence in emission testing while taking concrete steps toward improving the city's air quality through better identification and regulation of polluting vehicles.
