Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has waived fines for violation of pollution norm at toll gates till April 1 to ease the hassle for vehicle owners struggling to get pollution checks done.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena directed the State Transport Authority to suspend penalties related to pollution certificate violations, including those detected electronically at toll gates.
Also, the Minister has directed that fines imposed through electronic detection systems at toll plazas be kept in abeyance till April 1, as a relief measure. This decision comes in response to complaints from the public about facing difficulties in getting pollution checks done due to the limited availability of pollution testing facilities across the state.
Besides, the concerned department has been tasked with reviewing the hefty Rs 10,000 fine for lacking a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, as per the Motor Vehicles Act.
Minister Jena stressed that vehicle owners must take responsibility for checking pollution, highlighting the need for collective efforts to tackle deteriorating air quality.
Despite strict measures in the transport sector, only 21% of Odisha’s vehicles have valid PUC certificates, prompting the government to urge compliance. Pollution checks are mandatory, and the minister’s appeal aims to encourage vehicle owners to prioritize environmental responsibility.
