In response to a surge of vehicle owners rushing to pollution testing centres across Bhubaneswar, the Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) has issued a crucial advisory urging citizens not to panic. The rush follows a recent government directive linking fuel purchase to valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
No Need for Panic, Says Transport Authority
The STA, in its advisory released on Tuesday, clearly stated that the "no PUC, no fuel" directive at petrol pumps is specifically for those who violate motor vehicle rules. It assured compliant vehicle owners that there is no cause for alarm. "People who are maintaining all the necessary documents and certificates should not worry about the directive," the advisory emphasized.
The authority further announced that an extensive 15-day awareness drive will be launched in collaboration with oil marketing companies to educate the public about the importance of PUC certificates. This initiative is aimed at safeguarding the environment, a mandate also enshrined in the Motor Vehicles Act.
Clarifications on E-Challans and Proposed Solutions
Addressing widespread confusion, the STA provided critical clarity regarding pending e-challans. The condition restricting PUC issuance applies only to e-challans pending for 90 days or more. Owners with challans pending for less than 90 days face no restrictions in obtaining their PUC certificate.
This clarification came after reports of people being denied PUC at Regional Transport Office (RTO) counters due to pending e-challans. To encourage settlement, the authority highlighted that discounts are available on pending e-challan payments under the one-time settlement (OTS) scheme.
Sanjay Lath, general secretary of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association, revealed a practical proposal made to the STA. They have suggested directing PUC providers to paste stickers on vehicles that have obtained a valid certificate. "This will help the staff at fuel stations to quickly find out the document holders," Lath explained.
Official Links and Important Advisories
The STA directed citizens to the official government portal, https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in, for online e-challan payments. It also cautioned vehicle owners to use only genuine and registered pollution testing centres, the list of which can be verified at https://puc.parivahan.gov.in/puc/views/PUCCenterList.xhtml.
In a significant decision considering public interest, the authority stated that vehicle owners who violate pollution norms and receive a first-time challan will have seven days to get their vehicle checked. They must then submit an application along with the valid PUC certificate to the STA office.
The series of clarifications and advisories aim to streamline the process, reduce unnecessary crowding at testing centres, and ensure the environmental rule is implemented smoothly without causing undue hardship to law-abiding citizens.
