Gangtok, Aug 3 (PTI): The Sikkim government has mandated that all vehicle owners must carry a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, effective from Saturday. According to a circular issued by the Transport Department, failure to present a valid PUC certificate will result in a Rs 500 fine.
Transport Secretary Manish Pradhan stated, “With the approval of the competent authority, it is hereby informed that non-production of a Pollution Under Control certificate (PUC) by the vehicle owner will be penalized with a penal amount of Rs 500.”
Vehicle owners have 15 days to produce a valid PUC certificate after receiving a challan. Failure to do so will incur a further penalty of Rs 10,000. Additionally, vehicles that fail pollution tests at authorized centers and exceed emission limits will be impounded and subjected to a Rs 10,000 fine.
This move aims to ensure stricter adherence to environmental standards and reduce vehicular pollution in Sikkim.