Dikhyaa Mohanty 
In a move aimed at strengthening environmental protection and improving air quality, the Odisha government has intensified enforcement measures against polluting vehicles across the state. The Commerce and Transport Department has initiated strict action to curb violations of motor vehicle rules that contribute to air pollution, particularly in urban and high-traffic districts.
Acting under the direction of Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and with the direct supervision of Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, the department has issued instructions to oil marketing companies to ensure compliance with pollution control norms. As part of the new measures, petrol pumps across Odisha have been directed not to dispense fuel to motor vehicles that do not possess a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).
According to officials, the move is anticipated to have a major impact on lowering vehicle emissions and raising air quality requirements, particularly in areas where transportation activity is causing pollution levels to rise. The government has emphasized that all cars must have a current pollution certificate in accordance with the Motor cars Act. This certificate must be obtained through routine testing at authorized pollution testing facilities.
Additionally, the government has noted that there are currently legal mechanisms in place to take action against car owners who violate pollution certification regulations. Pollution certificate verification has been included into the e-detection system at toll gates to enable automated inspections and identification of non-compliant cars, hence strengthening enforcement.
The Commerce and Transport Department has appealed to drivers and automobile owners to make sure that their cars always have a valid pollution certificate and to avoid operating vehicles that significantly contribute to environmental pollution. The agency emphasized that in order to achieve cleaner air and save the environment for future generations, public engagement and compliance are crucial.
