Bhubaneswar: The State Transport Authority (STA), in coordination with Odisha police, has stepped up enforcement drives across Odisha to check vehicles for valid pollution under control certificates (PUCC) following the end of the relaxation period on April 1. Vehicles found flouting emission norms are liable to pay fines of up to Rs 10,000, officials said on Thursday.The intensified drive includes physical checks at key traffic intersections as well as e-detection through automated traffic enforcement systems. Transport and traffic officials said the move is aimed at curbing rising vehicular pollution and ensuring compliance with environmental norms.“After repeated extensions and awareness campaigns, the relaxation period has ended. From April 1, strict enforcement is being carried out across urban and rural areas. Vehicles without a valid PUCC will be penalised as per provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act,” said a senior STA official.Police officers said checking was being conducted at multiple locations simultaneously in the twin cities and across Odisha, covering two-wheelers, four-wheelers, commercial vehicles and public transport vehicles. “Earlier, enforcement was largely manual,” said deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Tapan Mohanty.He added that with e-detection in place, vehicles passing through surveillance corridors without valid documents, including PUCC, can be automatically flagged. The renewed enforcement in the meantime has led to a sharp rise in footfall at PUCC issuing centres across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and other cities.Several authorised emission-testing stations reported long queues since Tuesday. “There was hardly any rush last month but since April 1, people are turning up in large numbers, especially two-wheeler owners. Many say they ignored the certificate earlier because of the relaxation,” said Sriram Jena, a PUCC centre operator in Acharya Vihar.Motorists, meanwhile, expressed mixed reactions. “I was aware that PUCC is required, but like many others, I delayed it. With checking becoming strict, I got it done today to avoid a hefty fine. There were some glitches but finally, it was done,” said Santosh Behera, a private employee waiting at a testing centre at Chandrasekharpur.Some commuters, however, supported the move. “Pollution levels are rising every year. If strict fines are needed to make people responsible, then the govt should continue such drives. However, the govt should make it simple instead of opting pressure tactics,” said Mamata Paikray, a college student.Officials said enforcement drives would continue in the coming days, and urged vehicle owners to ensure all documents, including PUCC, insurance and registration, are up to date to avoid paying any fine. “Compliance is not just about avoiding fines. It is about protecting public health,” the STA official added.
