Bhubaneswar: The state government will carry out strict enforcement of Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms during the National Road Safety Month, to be observed from January 1 to January 31, 2026. Vehicles found without a valid PUC certificate will face action under the Motor Vehicles Act, officials said on Monday.
Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman, State Transport Authority (STA), Amitabh Thakur, said the drive is being undertaken in accordance with the directions of Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena. As part of the enforcement measures, oil marketing companies have been instructed not to sell fuel to vehicles that do not possess a valid PUC certificate.
“To ensure effective implementation, a meeting was held today with representatives of oil marketing companies and petrol dealers’ associations. It has been decided that all fuel outlets will display banners highlighting the mandatory requirement of PUC certification,” Thakur said.
He further stated that all PUC centres across the state will be directed to issue stickers mentioning the validity period of the PUC certificate.
The enforcement drive will cover nearly 90 lakh vehicles in the state. The Transport Commissioner appealed to vehicle owners to obtain or renew their PUC certificates in time, adding that checks will be conducted throughout the month from January 1 to January 31.
Emphasising the importance of public cooperation, Thakur said that controlling vehicular emissions is a shared responsibility.
“Such steps are necessary to address growing air pollution concerns and will ultimately benefit public health and the environment,” he added.
