Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Jun 1: Transport authorities in Kashmir on Saturday said they have been receiving multiple complaints of overcharging by emission testing centres issuing the pollution certificates.
A top official of the transport department said that they have been receiving multiple complaints about overcharging by emission testing centres. He warned of action against those found involved.
“Our office is receiving multiple complaints from various parts of the valley on overcharging by emission testing centres. We have taken note of it and action will follow,” the officer said.
The official said that there will be surprise inspections of these emission testing centres and the registration of those found involved will be cancelled.
Notably, the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate of a vehicle is mandatory to ensure that the vehicle’s emission levels comply with the pollution norms. Every motor vehicle (two/three/four-wheelers) must have a pollution certificate, irrespective of fuel type.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Motor Vehicle Department, the Pollution Checking Centre shall issue the pollution under control Certificate as the sample prescribed duly signed by the authorised signatory only for those vehicles which conform to the standards prescribed under rule 115 (2) of CMV Rule, 1989.
The authorised pollution checking centre shall charge fees from the motor vehicle owners for checking and issuing the PUC certificate, charging Rs 50 for two-wheelers and cars, Rs 60 for three-wheelers and taxis, Rs 80 for agriculture tractors and taxis (diesel-driven) and Rs 100 for trucks and buses (including mini buses and mini load carriers.
