‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule in NCR Districts of Uttar Pradesh
Why in News?
From 1 October, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate will not be allowed to purchase fuel in the 8 NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh under the “No PUC, No Fuel” policy.
The measure is part of Uttar Pradesh’s strategy to reduce air pollution in the NCR region by 30–35%.
Key Highlights
1. ANPR-Based Enforcement
- 1,041 petrol pumps will be equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
- Vehicles arriving at fuel stations will be automatically checked for:
- PUC status
- Registration details
- Insurance validity
- Permits
- Traffic violations
2. Promotion of Cleaner Mobility
Under the ‘Naya Safar’ Scheme, the government aims to:
- Phase out old and polluting vehicles.
- Encourage:
- BS-VI vehicles
- CNG vehicles
- Electric Vehicles (EVs)
3. Action Against End-of-Life Vehicles
- 26.19 lakh EOL vehicles identified.
- Between January–April:
- 37,156 vehicles scrapped
- 460 vehicles seized
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
Definition
ANPR is an AI-enabled surveillance system that automatically identifies and reads vehicle registration numbers.
Components
- High-resolution cameras
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Working
- Camera captures vehicle image/video.
- OCR converts number plate image into machine-readable text.
- Vehicle details are matched with government databases.
- System instantly verifies:
- PUC certificate
- Registration
- Insurance
- Permit status
- Traffic offences
Features
- Infrared sensors for night-time operation.
- Works in low-light and adverse weather conditions.
Applications
- Traffic management
- Law enforcement
- Electronic toll collection
- Parking management
- Pollution control enforcement
Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
What is PUC?
A mandatory certificate certifying that a vehicle’s emissions are within prescribed pollution limits.
Legal Requirement
- Mandatory under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
- Applicable to:
- Petrol vehicles
- Diesel vehicles
- CNG vehicles
Validity
- New vehicles: Exempt during the first year.
- Thereafter periodic testing is mandatory.
- Generally valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
How to Obtain?
- From a government-authorized emission testing centre.
- Exhaust emissions are tested and recorded before issuance.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988:
- Fine up to ₹10,000
- Imprisonment up to 6 months
- Or both
Additional consequences:
- Driving licence may be suspended/disqualified for 3 months.
- If a vehicle exceeds emission limits despite holding a valid PUC:
- PUC certificate is cancelled.
- Fresh certificate must be obtained within 7 days.
End-of-Life (EOL) Vehicles
Meaning
Vehicles that have become unfit for use due to:
- Age
- Excessive pollution
- Safety concerns
- Failure to meet regulatory standards
Vehicle Scrappage Policy, 2021
| Vehicle Type | EOL Criteria |
|---|---|
| Government Vehicles | 15 years from registration |
| Commercial Vehicles | Fitness test after 15 years |
| Private Vehicles | Fitness test after 20 years |
Vehicles failing the fitness test are classified as EOL and may be deregistered and scrapped.
Legal Basis of ‘No PUC, No Fuel’
1. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Mandates compliance with vehicle emission standards.
2. Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989
- Makes possession of a valid PUC certificate compulsory.
3. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Empowers authorities to prevent and control air pollution.
4. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Provides broad powers to prescribe environmental standards and issue directions.
5. Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- Commission for Air Quality Management can issue directions to NCR states for improving air quality.
UPSC Mains Practice Question (GS-3: Environment)
Q. Vehicular emissions remain a major contributor to air pollution in urban India. In this context, examine the significance of the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy as a tool for pollution control. Discuss its potential benefits, challenges in implementation, and suggest measures for improving its effectiveness. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
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