Odisha / Fake Pollution Certificates Exposed In Odisha, 42 Centres Shut
Key Points
- 42 pollution centres shut for issuing fake certificates.
- Nearly 60 lakh vehicles reportedly lack valid pollution certificates in Odisha.
- “No PUC, No Petrol” rule to be enforced from February 1.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: A massive irregularity in vehicle pollution testing has come to light in Odisha, with thousands of vehicles receiving pollution certificates without undergoing any tests. A reality check in Bhubaneswar revealed that several centres were issuing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates without examining vehicles, triggering outrage and prompting swift government action.
Rampant Irregularities
Reports suggest that vehicles as new as two months old and as old as 15 years were all being marked “pass” in pollution tests, with no failures recorded. Allegations indicate that in many centres, certificates were issued automatically by machines or even without vehicles being physically tested.
The state government has cancelled the licences of 42 pollution testing centres found guilty of issuing fake certificates. Officials estimate that out of 1.17 crore vehicles registered in Odisha, nearly 50 to 60 lakh currently do not possess valid pollution certificates.
Government Action
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✨Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said that the allegations are serious and investigations are underway. He said the government will not dismiss the charges as baseless and strict action will follow. Dipti Ranjan Patra, Additional Commissioner of the Transport Department, added that instructions have been issued to ensure compliance with pollution norms.
From February 1, the “No PUC, No Petrol” rule will be
enforced across the state, requiring valid pollution certificates for
refuelling. This has already led to heavy rush at testing centres.
Standards Ignored
Despite clear government guidelines for permissible emission levels across BS-II, BS-IV, and BS-VI vehicles, both petrol and diesel, many centres allegedly ignored these standards. Instead, certificates were issued indiscriminately, undermining the purpose of pollution control.
The Transport Department has also released a toll-free
number (18003461073) for citizens to lodge complaints and seek assistance.
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