By Kavita Mistry 
The Maharashtra government is taking strong measures to fight rising air pollution by reintroducing its ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy. Under this rule, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to refuel at petrol pumps.
How The Policy Works
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik confirmed that petrol pumps will soon be required to verify PUC validity before dispensing fuel. CCTV cameras at fuel stations will scan vehicle details, ensuring only those with valid certificates receive fuel. If a PUC is invalid, the pump will deny refueling.
To avoid inconvenience, facilities will also be provided at pumps to issue fresh PUC certificates instantly. Each certificate will carry a Unique Identity (UID), enabling easier monitoring and preventing tampering or duplication.
Tackling Fake Certificates
One of the key objectives of the policy is to dismantle the chain of fake certificate providers. The Transport Department has already planned strict enforcement and crackdowns on illegal PUC issuing centers. With UID-enabled certificates, authorities will have better control over monitoring compliance.
Why The Policy Matters Now
The push comes ahead of winter, a season when pollution levels spike in cities like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune due to temperature inversion. Vehicular emissions—particularly particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—are among the leading contributors to smog and declining urban air quality.
By tightening control over PUC compliance, the state aims to significantly reduce vehicular pollution, thereby improving public health and environmental conditions.
Long-Term Steps Towards Cleaner Air
While stricter enforcement of PUC norms addresses immediate pollution concerns, Maharashtra has also been promoting electric vehicles (EVs) through various incentives and policies. The shift towards EV adoption represents a sustainable, long-term solution for tackling vehicular emissions.
If enforced effectively, the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy could become a crucial step in building accountability among motorists and ensuring cleaner air for millions of residents.