In the ongoing fiscal year, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has taken action against 1,012 properties for non-payment of outstanding property tax. With notices issued, doors sealed, and water connections severed, the municipality aims to collect dues from defaulters.
Details of the Inspection and Measures:
According to civic officials, 538 property owners have received notices warning of potential property seizure, while 346 properties have already had their doors sealed. In addition, 128 properties have faced water connection disconnection since 2023–2024. Authorities are urging residents to settle outstanding debts by March 31, 2024, to avoid similar actions against an additional 500 properties.
Severity for High Dues:
Properties with outstanding tax debts exceeding Rs 50,000 will face measures such as property confiscation and sealing, according to tax department officials from the PCMC. With 6.15 lakh registered properties in Pimpri Chinchwad, the municipality has collected Rs 746 crore in property taxes from 4.31 lakh property owners in the current fiscal year.
Residential Properties and Defaulters:
The residential properties category shows a higher number of defaulters compared to other categories. Despite having the financial means, many residential property owners have neglected to make payments. Over 35,000 properties, including commercial and industrial, and 1,82,665 residential property owners have not paid their taxes in the current fiscal year.
Targeted Collections and Legal Action:
PCMC aims to collect Rs 1,000 crore in property taxes during the current fiscal year. Social media platforms are being used to encourage citizens to fulfill their civic obligations. Ward offices are instructed to regularly seize belongings of defaulters and cut off water supply. Legal action is planned against properties with owners capable of paying taxes but neglecting to do so for eight to ten years.
Long-Term Defaulters and Auction Process:
Over 450 residential properties have unpaid property taxes for more than five years, with more than 100 properties not paying taxes for over a decade. An expression of interest has been requested to expedite the confiscated property auction process. Three government valuers have applied, and the auction procedure is set to commence soon.
