No PUC, No Fuel: Maharashtra's Bold Plan to Combat Pollution

In a move to intensify efforts against vehicular emissions, the Maharashtra government is currently drafting a policy that would link the supply of fuel to vehicles possessing a valid and authentic Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. 

State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the proposal, indicating a crackdown on vehicles that are technically unfit or fail to meet required emission standards.

“No PUC, No Fuel” Policy Underway

Speaking after a review meeting with key transport department officials in Mumbai, Minister Sarnaik confirmed that plans for a stringent policy are "underway." 

He stated clearly that vehicles found not conforming to official pollution standards, or those running with fake or tampered PUC certificates, will be barred from refuelling at petrol pumps. The minister's message was direct: "No PUC, No Fuel," signalling a firm stance against non-compliance as a means to significantly reduce pollution across the state's cities.

Tackling Fraud with QR Codes

Addressing concerns regarding the issuance of fraudulent pollution certificates that allow unfit vehicles to remain on the road, Mr Sarnaik also outlined a technological solution. 

To combat this malpractice and ensure the integrity of the certification process, the department plans to introduce new pollution certificates embedded with QR codes. 

This will facilitate quick and reliable verification of the certificate's authenticity directly at fuel outlets, making it much harder to use counterfeit documents.

If implemented, the proposed policy is set to be regulated collaboratively by the state's Transport Department and petrol pump operators. 

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