Bhubaneswar, Dec. 20 -- In a major step to protect the environment, the State Transport Authority (STA), Odishaon Saturday directed that petrol and diesel should not be supplied to vehicles that do not possess a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).

The STA has written to oil marketing companies operating retail outlets in Odisha, asking them to strictly enforce the rule and deny fuel to vehicles operating without a valid pollution certificate. The move aims to strengthen environmental protection measures in the transport sector.

As per sources, the decision is intended to curb rising vehicular pollution and ensure strict compliance with Motor Vehicles Act.

"It has been observed with concern that despite clear statutory pro...