Soon motorists will require 'pollution under control' certificates to buy petrol, diesel

NEW DELHI: Soon motorists will have to show ' pollution under control' certificates at petrol pumps to refuel their vehicles with the Delhi government today taking an in-principle decision to this effect primarily to check vehicular pollution in the city.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary S K Srivastava where issues relating to air pollution were discussed in details.

Srivastava said a report by an expert committee to check vehicular pollution had recommended production of the pollution under check certificate ( PUC) by motorists which was accepted.

"The recommendation of the expert committee to check pollution has already been accepted," Srivastava said.

Indicating that it may take couple of months to implement the decision, he said Delhi government would first launch a campaign to educate people and other stakeholders about the issue so that people voluntarily abide by the directives.

Facilities are already available at various petrol pumps to carry out pollution level of vehicles and the Chief Secretary said the government will make further arrangements to enhance required infrastructure.

According to the decision, motorists not having a PUC certificate will not be able to fill their tanks as it will be made mandatory for petrol pumps to check the PUC before selling diesel and petrol.

An expert committee last year had recommended a series of measures including significantly hiking parking fee and other road taxes to encourage people from using public transport.