Maharashtra Government's 'No PUC,No Fuel' Policy to Curb Pollution
In a significant step aimed at combating rising vehicular pollution, the Maharashtra government is in the process of finalising a new rule that will restrict fuel sales to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. The proposed policy was confirmed by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik following a recent meeting with senior officials from the Motor Vehicles Department.
If implemented, this rule would make Maharashtra one of the first Indian states to directly link fuel refuelling rights with emission compliance. The government believes such a measure is necessary to counteract the increasing volume of emissions, particularly from older vehicles still running on petrol and diesel, that continue to affect air quality in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Nashik.
Making Compliance Non-Negotiable
The central pillar of the policy is straightforward. Any vehicle that lacks a valid PUC certificate will be denied fuel at petrol pumps. Fuel station operators will be asked to verify the PUC status before allowing refuelling. The move is designed to enforce regular emission checks and bring more accountability to vehicle owners, many of whom ignore or bypass emission testing norms.
Currently, while the law mandates valid PUC certificates for all operational vehicles, enforcement on the ground has been patchy at best. Instances of expired certificates or fraudulent copies are common, and in many areas, emission testing is loosely regulated or poorly monitored. The state transport department hopes that linking it directly to fuel availability will act as an effective deterrent and boost overall compliance.
Tackling the Menace of Fake PUCs
One of the more serious concerns the policy seeks to address is the widespread use of fake or improperly issued PUC certificates. Several vehicle owners have been found to procure certificates without undergoing proper emissions testing. In response to this, the state is working on implementing a technology-led verification mechanism.
A digital upgrade is being planned wherein PUC certificates will be issued with QR codes. These can be scanned at fuel stations to instantly verify the validity and authenticity of the document. Such a system would allow petrol pump attendants to check in real-time whether a vehicle meets emission norms, eliminating scope for fake paperwork.
The plan also includes integrating this system with a centralised database so that even remote stations can access up-to-date information. This backend technology is still being developed, but the government appears confident that a state-wide rollout is feasible once initial testing is completed.
Public Buy-In Crucial to Success
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has stressed that this is not just a punitive measure. He appealed to citizens to view the proposed policy as a collective step toward a cleaner and healthier Maharashtra. According to him, while the government is taking the lead in framing regulations, long-term success will depend on how willing people are to take responsibility for the environment.
There will be an awareness campaign rolled out before implementation, and a brief window may be provided for vehicle owners to update their certificates without penalty. Authorities are also engaging with fuel station associations and software vendors to ensure smooth on-ground coordination.
The policy is expected to be tabled for final approval shortly, and implementation could begin within the next few months. If successful, Maharashtra's 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule could serve as a model for other Indian states struggling with vehicular pollution. By directly linking environmental compliance with everyday convenience, the government is hoping to drive behavioural change and create long-term environmental benefits for millions.
Via TOI