Bhubaneswar: The state govt has resumed automatic detection of pollution under control certificate (PUCC) violations at toll plazas, ending a suspension imposed in Jan amid public outrage over steep penalties.The transport department on Sunday said enforcement through the e-detection system restarted on Sept 1, coinciding with the govt’s decision to substantially reduce fines for PUCC-related offences the same day.“The e-detection system, which automatically identifies vehicles operating without valid pollution and insurance certificates at toll plazas, was suspended after motorists raised concerns over the Rs 10,000 penalty for PUCC violations. Since the fine has now been reduced, enforcement through the system has resumed from Sept 1,” said Dipti Ranjan Patra, additional commissioner of transport.Under the revised penalty structure, motorcycle and three-wheeler owners would be fined Rs 1,000 for a first offence and Rs 2,000 for subsequent violations. For cars, taxis, trailers, tractors and jeeps, the penalty has been fixed at Rs 2,000 for the first offence and Rs 5,000 for repeat offences. All other vehicles, including commercial transport carriers, would attract fines of Rs 3,000 for the first offence and Rs 6,000 for subsequent violations.Officials said the govt has also retained restrictions on the issuance of PUCC to vehicles with long-pending e-challans. Vehicle owners with traffic challans outstanding for more than 90 days would not be eligible to obtain or renew PUCC until the dues are cleared. However, those with challans pending for less than 90 days can still secure a PUCC.Orissa high court, while disposing of a petition on Feb 10, upheld the govt’s decision to deny PUCC to vehicles with traffic challans pending for over 90 days.A transport department official said pending PUCC-related challans, which earlier carried a uniform penalty of Rs 10,000, would now be covered under the revised fine structure.The transport department hopes to achieve dual objectives through enforcement of the PUCC norm compliance — reducing air pollution and enforcing traffic discipline.Officials said that the ministry of environment, forest and climate change is implementing a national clean air programme (NCAP) to tackle air pollution across the country in a comprehensive manner.“In order to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality, intensive checking of the PUC certificates of vehicles is essential,” the officer said.The transport department stressed that vehicular emissions remain a major environmental and public health challenge in India. The transport sector is a significant contributor to urban air pollution, releasing harmful pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Authorities also note that many vehicle owners neglect PUCC compliance, often obtaining certificates only during enforcement drives rather than as part of routine responsibility.