32 PROPERTIES OWE ₹216CR IN TAXES, TO FACE CIVIC BODY HEAT

MUMBAI: After the civic body’s revenue from the property tax department showed a dip in the civic budget, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now moved to attach 25 properties and disconnect water connections of seven other properties that defaulted on property tax. These properties in total owe BMC ₹216 crore.

According to officials, some of the major properties against whom action has been initiated are the National Sports Club of India, Amir Parks and Amusement, HDIL in Bandra (East), Vidhi Realtors, Sunshine Builders, Royal Palms in Goregaon, and Raghuleela Mega Mall, among others. Of these, BMC has disconnected water connections of Raghuleela Mega Mall and HDIL while the rest of them will be attached by the property tax department. According to the rules, the property tax must be paid within 90 days of the receipt received. Those who fail to pay will have action against them initiated in phases. They are given another 21 days to clear their dues, failing which the process for attaching the properties or a similar action is initiated.

The BMC nearly collects ₹5,000 crore every year from its property tax department. In 2018-19, the income from property tax was estimated at ₹5,206.15 crore, however, the collections came down to ₹5,016.19 crore in 2019-20. A senior civic official said, “We will start initiating strict action against major defaulters.