Bengaluru, 1 April

In a bid to tackle the rising levels of air pollution caused by vehicles, State Transport Department has introduced a new system to prevent the issuance of fake Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over lapses in certificate issuance and the proliferation of fake certificates, contributing to deteriorating air quality in the State.

With vehicle registrations in the State witnessing an annual increase of 4-7 per cent, the need for regular air pollution testing and certification has become paramount. The new software promises enhanced security features and accessibility, minimising the risk of fake certificates being issued.

One of the key features of the revamped system is the integration of geo-tagging, which enables the uploading of detailed vehicle information and photographs onto a centralised server. This ensures greater transparency and accountability in the certification, preventing misuse or manipulation.

Transport Commissioner AM Yogesh said: “These measures are needed in curbing air pollution and safeguarding public health. The department is leveraging technology for controlling pollution.”

Mobile Application

Moreover, a dedicated mobile application will be rolled out for vehicle owners, facilitating easy renewal of pollution inspection certificates. Through this app, owners will receive timely reminders for certificate renewal, promoting compliance with regulatory requirements.

Real-time data transmission from all 2,460 pollution checkpoints across the State to the Transport Department's headquarters will provide officials with immediate insights into the certification. This enables prompt action against any irregularities and ensures seamless monitoring of vehicle emissions.