Maharashtra Government Plans ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Policy to Curb Air Pollution
Mumbai, 6th May 2025: In a decisive move to combat rising air pollution, the Maharashtra government is working on a policy that would deny fuel to vehicles lacking valid emission certificates. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the proposed measure on Tuesday after a high-level review meeting with Motor Vehicles Department officials at Mantralaya.
Sarnaik highlighted the alarming increase in the number of vehicles—particularly those running on conventional fuels—on Maharashtra’s roads, contributing significantly to deteriorating air quality across urban centers.
‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule in the Works
Under the proposed policy, fuel pumps will be instructed not to dispense petrol or diesel to vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. The minister acknowledged widespread violations, including the use of fake or improperly issued PUCs, which have undermined efforts to regulate vehicular emissions.
“The new policy will enforce a strict ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule across the state. Only vehicles with authentic, verifiable certificates will be allowed to refuel,” Sarnaik said.
QR Code-Based Verification to Ensure Compliance
To prevent fraud and improve enforcement, the government plans to introduce QR code-based PUC certificates. These digital certificates will allow fuel stations to verify the emission compliance status of vehicles in real-time using integrated systems.
“Technically unfit vehicles are a major contributor to the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI), especially in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur,” the minister noted, adding that the new system would help weed out such vehicles from circulation.
Rollout Expected Soon
The policy is currently in the final planning stage, with the government coordinating with stakeholders to build the necessary digital infrastructure. Once implemented, it is expected to play a key role in reducing vehicular pollution and improving public health in the state.
The Maharashtra government’s move aligns with broader efforts to adopt stricter environmental norms and promote cleaner transportation alternatives.
