Lucknow. If you drive in Uttar Pradesh, then this news is directly related to your pocket and everyday convenience. Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has made a big change in the direction of strictly implementing pollution control. Now OTP on mobile has been made mandatory to get Pollution Certificate (PUC).

Under the new system, OTP will come on the mobile number recorded in the RC (Registration Certificate) of the vehicle, and PUC will be issued only after verification of the same. But this change has created a new problem for millions of vehicle owners.

Mobile numbers not updated in 75% vehicles

According to departmental data, the mobile numbers recorded in the RC of about 75% of the vehicles in the state are either outdated or no longer in use. In such a situation, due to non-receipt of OTP, PUC certificate is not being issued. Where earlier pollution certificate could be obtained just by showing RC, now the OTP based process has made it completely digital and strict.

Problems increased due to suddenly implemented rules

PUC operators say that this system was implemented without adequate preparation, due to which the common people are facing problems. According to Sunil Kumar Pal, Treasurer of PUC Operator Association,

• Vehicle owners are not able to update mobile number on the portal.
• Difficult to get OTP due to old number being closed
• Chaos due to implementation of rules without improving the system

Threat of challan up to Rs 10,000

The biggest concern is that if the vehicle does not have a valid PUC, it may face heavy fines. Under the Motor Vehicle Rules, a challan of up to Rs 10,000 can be imposed for not having a PUC. In such a situation, people are in financial risk due to technical problems.

Letter sent to Transport Commissioner

The association has sent a letter to the Transport Commissioner terming this issue as serious. It demands that:

• Till the data is updated, both the old and new systems should work together.
• PUC centers to be allowed to update mobile numbers temporarily

This can provide relief to the general public and the system will be implemented smoothly.

What did the department say?

Deputy Transport Commissioner Radheshyam has confirmed that the organisation's letter has been received and a solution to the problem is being considered. Along with this problem, another condition has increased the problem. PUC certificates are not being issued in many places even without HSRP (High Security Registration Plate). Nearly 2 crore vehicle owners in the state are struggling with this dual challenge—OTP and HSRP.

What should vehicle owners do?

• Complete the process of updating the mobile number registered in your RC as soon as possible.
• Make sure to get HSRP number plate
• At present, before getting PUC made, check the status of your documents and mobile number.

A digital and transparent system is necessary for pollution control, but the success of any new policy depends on its preparation and implementation. OTP based PUC system can be a good step, but unless the data updates and technical infrastructure at the ground level is not strong, this facility will remain a cause of trouble for the common people. Now all eyes are on the next decision of the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department, which will decide whether this rule will provide relief or increase problems.