Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday announced that the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule for motorists will soon be strictly implemented across the state.
The move is aimed at reducing pollution and ensuring a cleaner environment for future generations, officials said.
Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, Sarnaik said, “We must take environmental responsibility seriously. The present generation needs to impose some restrictions to ensure a pollution-free future.”
Under the rule, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to fill fuel at petrol stations. The system will be enforced strictly and will include digital checks, the officials said.
The Maharashtra Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar and Joint Secretary (Transport) Rajendra Holkar have been directed to ensure this initiative is implemented across all petrol pumps in the state, they said, adding that to prevent fraud, each PUC certificate will have a Unique Identity (UID).
“CCTV cameras at petrol pumps will scan vehicle numbers and verify the PUC status. If the certificate is invalid, fuel will be denied, and the PUC certificate will be cancelled on the spot,” said officials.
A statement said that Sarnaik also shared future plans to make PUC certificates available at vehicle showrooms, so that all vehicles on the road remain compliant with pollution norms. He called on the Transport Department to take strong action against gangs that issue fake PUC certificates, and to stop the illegal trade completely.
“This is not just a rule. It’s a step towards a cleaner, healthier Maharashtra,” Sarnaik said.
