Haryana and NCR fuel stations ordered to verify vehicle emissions certificates

Fuel retailers operating across Haryana and the NCR region have been instructed to implement stricter verification protocols at their pumps, requiring drivers to present current Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates before refuelling their vehicles.

The measure encompasses petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, tasking operators with the responsibility of confirming certificate validity before completing any fuel transactions. By blocking fuel access to vehicles without valid emissions documentation, authorities aim to effectively discourage the operation of non-compliant vehicles on roads.

The directive represents a significant enforcement shift in regional environmental compliance strategies. Previously, PUC verification largely occurred during routine traffic stops or periodic vehicle checks. By delegating verification responsibility to fuel retailers, the initiative creates a continuous enforcement mechanism that targets vehicles at a critical operational point.

Automobile owners must now ensure their vehicles maintain current PUC certification to avoid disruption to their travel and daily operations. The validity period of PUC certificates varies depending on vehicle age and type, with most certificates requiring renewal within set intervals.

The measure aligns with broader air quality improvement initiatives across northern India, where regional authorities have increasingly adopted multi-stakeholder approaches to reduce vehicular emissions and address persistent air pollution challenges.