Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Dec 27: In a welcome move, the Administration has granted 15 days relaxation to all vehicle owners to get their vehicles checked for PUC Certificates. Sadly, this has not brought much relief for the vehicle owners as even today one can see hundreds of people standing in long queue infront of a few Pollution Testing Centers, braving heat and also rain.
Adding to the pain, one Pollution testing center was reportedly closed due to some technical issues, causing further panic among public.
It seems that there is a mad rush for PUC Certificate in the city and people are ready to stand even for 4 to 5 hours for the PUC certificate. “If this PUC certificate can save us from Rs. 10,000 challan then why shouldn’t we rush ?” questioned a bike owner, who got a PUC certificate today after waiting for two hours in long queue.
Thousands of others, who are working in government offices and private jobs and can’t take a leave from office are deeply worried as no one will like to miss the last date and pay heavy traffic challan.
Practically it seems that it is impossible to complete the pollution test for all vehicles in just 14 days and hence Islanders are requesting the Administration to open more pollution testing centers and also to extend the last date for pollution test.
“People in long queues are deeply frustrated, angry and upset. Something should be done to minimize the sufferings of the public before this mad rush for pollution test causes a stampede,” said another Islander.
Some Islanders suggest that vehicles with certain “Series” should be called for pollution test on specific days to control the mad rush. If vehicles of “specific” series are allowed to come for pollution tests on specific dates, people will get huge relief.
