For a PUC check bring along Rs 50, not your car

MUMBAI, July 23: Getting a pollution-under-control PUC check done is easier than you thought. In Dombivli you need not even own a vehic...

MUMBAI, July 23: Getting a pollution-under-control PUC check done is easier than you thought. In Dombivli you need not even own a vehicle to get the tiny sticker which you can8230;well, stick to your kitchen window. At the Techno Auto Service petrol pump here, a certificate and sticker proclaiming that you have done your bit for the environment are available for Rs 50.

This reporter accompanied by KDMC corporator, Rajan Samant, today visited the petrol pump. It was lunch hour and Samant apologetically asked one of the attendants, who was having his lunch, if they would have to wait to get a PUC test done. The attendant laughed and said: 8220;Saheb why do you want to waste time? Just pay Rs 50 and take away your certificate.8221; Amazed by the fact that it was so easy to get environment-friendly8217; and emboldened by the attendant8217;s rather friendly response, this reporter too stepped forward and demanded a certificate. When asked for his vehicle8217;s licence number, he blurted out one randomly. Presto! The certificatewas ready.

Later, when Samant revealed his identity and demanded to meet the owner the workers began pleading with him. 8220;Why are you taking this so seriously. This system is beneficial to all,8221; said the owner Prakash Karnik. However, when Deputy RTO Superintendent, A N Bhalchandra, contacted him he was no longer so sure of its benefits. 8220;I8217;ll fire the man who was using my premises to mint money,8221; he said changing tack quickly and denied any knowledge of the issuance of fraudulent PUC certificates and stickers.

Bhalchandra warned Karnik of stern action. He assured this reporter that he would alert his field staff too. He also voiced concern over the increasing incidence of respiratory diseases due to pollution in the KDMC limits. 8220;People need to realise that since we live in a predominantly industrial zone8230;we need to take more care as the risk is higher here,8221; he pointed out.

The number that this reporter gave to the petrol attendant, it was later found, belongs to a Tata Sumo registered inAmbernath. The owner has in a statement to the RTO confirmed that he has never been to the Techno Auto Service petrol pump. Well, he doesn8217;t seem to be worried about the environment.