Pollution under control certificates to go online from April

The government has authorised 284 private emission testing centers across the State, which award pollution certificates to vehicle owners every six months. Now, these centers will be linked to the State Transport Authority’s official website so that these certificates can be issued online.

This will be applicable to all categories of vehicles.

“Vehicle owners are required to download the certificate online. This will reduce the number of bogus certificates issued by the unauthorised centers. Also, the readings cannot be fudged or manipulated, forcing all vehicle owners to adhere to the prescribed limits,” said a top official from the State Transport Authority.

Under the new procedure, the vehicle owners will get an appointment via online. If cleared during the inspection, the certificate will be made available online.

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the vehicles that are in operation for more than a year are mandated to undergo emission test every six months. The certificate that the pollution caused by the vehicle is under control will be checked by the Regional Transport Officers.