Raipur: Chhattisgarh will establish pollution monitoring units at fuel stations across the state to ensure vehicles comply with emission norms. The initiative, in collaboration with Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum, and Reliance Industries, aims to streamline pollution checks for vehicle owners.
State Government Pushes for Better Compliance
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai directed the transport department to set up these monitoring centres on February 4. Following the directive, Transport Secretary S Prakash and Additional Transport Commissioner D Ravishankar held discussions with senior officials from the oil companies to finalize the implementation.
Currently, the transport department conducts emission checks through mobile vans, which often disrupt traffic. Setting up permanent units at fuel stations is expected to provide vehicle owners with easier access to pollution testing while reducing congestion on roads.
Aligning with National Guidelines
The pollution check units will function as Pollution Under Control (PUC) centres, issuing mandatory emission certificates. This move aligns with National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives and the Centre’s pollution control policies.
A transport department official stated that integrating PUC centres with fuel stations will help improve compliance and reduce the number of vehicles operating without valid emission certificates. The move is also expected to strengthen public health efforts by ensuring better air quality monitoring.
Green GDP and Environmental Accountability
Chhattisgarh has also introduced the concept of Green GDP, which factors the ecological value of forests into economic planning. The state aims to integrate environmental contributions such as clean air and biodiversity conservation into its economic framework to promote sustainable growth.
By linking pollution monitoring with everyday vehicle use, the state seeks to enforce stricter emission norms while addressing environmental challenges in urban areas.
