Bhubaneswar, Dec 23: In a major step to curb vehicular pollution and improve air quality, the State Transport Authority (STA) has directed all petrol pumps across Odisha to install AI-powered Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. The initiative is aimed at strengthening real-time monitoring of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and ensuring stricter compliance with emission norms, particularly in urban areas.

The move follows the successful implementation of a similar system in New Delhi, where over 500 fuel stations use ANPR cameras to scan vehicle number plates and verify PUC validity through the central VAHAN database. Adopting the same model, Odisha will deny fuel to vehicles that either lack a valid PUC certificate or have exceeded the renewal deadline.

Under the directive, petrol pump owners will initially bear the cost of installing the ANPR cameras. However, the Commerce and Transport Department may consider sharing part of the expenses depending on the final cost of the equipment.

Transport Commissioner-cum-STA Chairman Amitabh Thakur said the system is expected to become operational from the first week of January. He added that until installation is complete, authorised emission testing centres have been instructed to paste PUC validity stickers on vehicles. The AI-based system will automatically flag non-compliant vehicles, enabling pump staff to refuse fuel and encourage timely PUC renewal.

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