Argus News - Odisha Cancels Licences of 52 Pollution Testing Centres After PUCC Fraud Exposed

Bhubaneswar, Jan 5: The Odisha government has cancelled the licences of 52 vehicle pollution testing centres following the alleged large-scale irregularities in the issuance of Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), officials said on Monday.

The Transport Department initiated the crackdown after a recent expose revealed that several centres were issuing certificates without conducting mandatory emission tests, raising serious concerns about road safety and environmental compliance.

Additional Transport Commissioner Deeptiranjan Patra said that the licences were revoked after verification of fraudulent practices. The move marks one of the most decisive actions by the department in recent years against malpractice in the vehicle testing system.

Crackdown on Irregularities

Officials said that surprise inspections were carried out across multiple districts, uncovering a network of brokers and operators who facilitated fake certificates. The centres involved were found to be issuing PUCCs without testing vehicles, undermining the credibility of the system. Show-cause notices have been served, and authorities indicated that further cancellations could follow if more violations are detected.

Public Concerns

The revelations have sparked widespread public anger. Vehicle owners, who often wait in long queues to obtain valid certificates, expressed frustration that fraudulent practices were allowed to flourish. Residents in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar demanded stricter monitoring, pointing out that such scams not only erode public trust but also compromise efforts to curb vehicular pollution.

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Wider Questions

The scandal has also raised questions about the validity of certificates already issued by these centres. Officials have yet to clarify whether vehicle owners who obtained PUCCs through fraudulent channels will be required to undergo fresh testing. Concerns remain about brokers operating outside Odisha, with calls for interstate coordination to dismantle the wider network.

Government’s Response

The Transport Department has assured that it is committed to restoring credibility in the system. Officials are considering stricter norms, including enhanced monitoring and digital verification, to prevent recurrence. The government’s challenge now lies in balancing enforcement with public convenience, while ensuring that environmental safeguards are not compromised.