Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has announced that the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy will soon be strictly implemented across the state. The rule makes it mandatory for motorists to hold a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to refuel their vehicles at fuel stations.
As per the plan, CCTV cameras at fuel stations will scan vehicle numbers to digitally verify PUC status. If a certificate is invalid or fake, fuel will be denied instantly, and the PUC record may be cancelled.
To curb fraud, every PUC certificate will carry a Unique Identity (UID), while future plans include making PUC certificates available directly at vehicle showrooms.
Officials said the step aims to bring down vehicular pollution and ensure long-term environmental sustainability. Sarnaik stressed the importance of shared responsibility, saying, “The present generation must impose restrictions to secure a pollution-free future.” The Transport Department has also been instructed to crack down on gangs issuing fake PUC certificates and eliminate the illegal trade altogether.
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While the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule might tackle Maharashtra’s rising vehicular pollution, its success will largely depend on execution and compliance. The state needs to ensure:-
- Strong infrastructure: Digital scanning systems and CCTV must work seamlessly at all petrol pumps, even in rural areas.
- Transparency: The UID system must prevent manipulation, but enforcement agencies must also be free of corruption.
- Public readiness: Many motorists are still unaware of how crucial PUC checks are; proper awareness campaigns will be key.
- Implementation hurdles: Petrol pumps may face delays and disputes during checks, leading to long queues and inconvenience.
