Chandigarh: In view of the stringent measures being implemented to control air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, the Haryana Transport Department has directed all petrol pump operators and retail outlets in the National Capital Region (NCR) districts of the state to ensure mandatory verification of a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate before refuelling vehicles.
The directions have been issued in accordance with the directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), under which the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule came into effect across Delhi and the NCR from Oct 1.
As part of the comprehensive measures being undertaken by the state government to curb vehicular pollution, including the deployment and implementation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera systems at petrol pumps across NCR districts, strict enforcement of emission norms has been prioritised.
Under the directions, petrol, diesel and CNG stations are required to deny fuel to vehicles that do not possess a valid PUC certificate.
Fuel stations will verify vehicle registration numbers against the online PUC database through ANPR cameras.
Pending the full installation and operationalisation of ANPR cameras across all NCR districts, petrol pump owners have been directed to ensure that their staff manually verify the validity of the PUC certificates of every vehicle before dispensing fuel.
If a vehicle owner or driver fails to produce a valid certificate, fuel must be denied immediately and the vehicle registration number recorded for official purposes.
The Transport Department has also directed petrol pump operators to ensure that vehicles without a valid PUC certificate are immediately directed to the nearest authorised PUC testing centre at or near the retail outlet for obtaining the requisite certificate before refuelling.
Furthermore, all petrol pumps have been instructed to install clear and prominently displayed bilingual warning boards in English and Hindi at all entry points and fuel-dispensing units.
The boards will clearly state: “No Valid PUC Certificate – No Fuel Refilling. Ensure a valid PUC certificate to avoid e-challan/penal action.”
The department has also highlighted that driving or operating a vehicle without a valid PUC certificate may attract a fine of up to Rs 10,000 under the applicable Motor Vehicle Rules.
(IANS)
