Maharashtra Govt To Strictly Enforce 'No PUC, No Fuel' Policy Across Petrol Pumps: Transport Minister

Maharashtra Government News: 'No PUC, No Fuel' — this rule will soon be strictly enforced across the state of Maharashtra. In light of this direct message from Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the transport department has beefed up efforts to curb pollution across the State's cities, requiring all vehicles to possess valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates to purchase fuel. 

In line with the Maharashtra government's proposal to cut fuel supply to vehicles either technically unfit or without valid PUC certificates, the transport department will run a 'No PUC, No Fuel' initiative, directing all petrol pump operators in Maharashtra to deny fuel to vehicles found not adhering to official pollution standards or those with fake PUC certificates.

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Speaking at a high-level meeting held on September 10 at the state transport commissioner's office, Pratap Sarnaik said, 'We must take environmental responsibility seriously. The present generation needs to impose some restrictions to ensure a pollution-free future.' His message was clear, suggesting that there is no room for compromise on pollution control. 

How the New Rule Helps Prevent Fraud?

The onus of ensuring that all petrol pumps follow the directive lies on Vivek Bhimanwar, the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner, and Rajendra Holkar, Joint Secretary (Transport). Under the new initiative, the registration number of every vehicle coming for refuelling will be scanned through CCTV cameras at petrol pumps, according to department officials. If the PUC certificate is found invalid, fuel will be denied. Besides, the certificate will be cancelled on the spot.

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Where to Get Your PUC Certificate Tested?

For convenient on-the-spot PUC testing and certificate issuance, arrangements will reportedly be made at petrol pumps that have designated areas for it. Each certificate, under the new initiative, must have a unique identification number (UID) for periodic verification as well as fraud prevention. 

Per media reports, the Maharashtra government also intends to extend the facility of issuing PUC certificates to automobile showrooms and repair garages, ensuring all vehicles on roads conform to pollution norms.