Odisha Crackdown: 42 Pollution Testing Centers Lose Licenses Amid Rising PUCC Fraud

Bhubaneswar: The recent surge in demand for Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) across Odisha has inadvertently paved the way for a new breed of opportunists. Seeing a quick business prospect in the rush, several individuals began operating mobile testing vans to offer “convenient” door-to-door or roadside certification. However, this convenience came with a high cost of illegality, as many of these units were found to be bypassing actual emission tests in favor of quick profits.

Taking stern action against this growing menace, the Odisha Transport Department has revoked the licenses of 42 pollution testing centers identified as fraudulent.

The Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed that these centers were exploiting the high volume of vehicle owners seeking certificates. Instead of conducting rigorous emission checks, these operators were issuing fake certificates. In several instances, the department discovered that centers were operating from locations outside Odisha while issuing certificates for vehicles registered within the state—a clear violation of regional transport protocols.

Government Response and Cyber Investigation
Additional Transport Commissioner Deeptiranjan Patra confirmed the cancellations, stating that the action was based on concrete evidence of fraud. To ensure a deeper cleanup of the system, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur has filed a formal complaint with the Cyber Police Station in Bhubaneswar. This move aims to investigate the digital manipulation of the central ‘Vahan’ database, which was reportedly tampered with to upload fake test results.

Data Discrepancy Challenges
The crackdown also highlighted a massive data gap. According to department officials, pollution data for nearly 50 to 60 lakh vehicles in the state is currently outdated or hasn’t been updated in the central database. This lack of synchronization has made it difficult for authorities to enforce emission norms effectively, allowing fraudulent operators to slip through the cracks.

Public Advisory
The Transport Department has urged citizens to be vigilant and avoid using unauthorized mobile vans that promise instant certificates without proper testing. To assist vehicle owners who may have been issued faulty certificates or are facing issues with challans, a toll-free helpline (1800-345-1073) has been activated.

This enforcement drive is part of a broader state initiative to clean up the PUCC process and ensure that only genuine, environmentally compliant vehicles ply the roads of Odisha. Authorities have warned that further investigations are ongoing and more licenses could be on the chopping block in the coming weeks.