BENGALURU: After giving citizens more than six months to clear their property tax dues with the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, BBMP has started a special drive to seal properties with dues. A total of 115 properties were locked up on the first day of the drive (October 29) across all eight zones of Bengaluru.
Among the eight zones, East topped the list with 32 properties being sealed, followed by West with 30 properties. A total of 17 properties were locked up in RR Nagar, 13 properties in the South, eight in Yelahanka, and five each in Bommanahalli, Dasarahalli, and Mahadevapura.
The OTS scheme, which provides relief by waiving 100% of compound interest and offering 50% rebate on penalties, was intended to collect the pending penalties. The scheme was introduced in February, and the last date to avail is Nov 30.
With an average of Rs 127 crore in property tax arrears in the East Zone alone, zonal commissioner Snehal R has initiated a drive to place locks on defaulting properties. Two property owners immediately paid their dues, totalling Rs 17.4 lakh, when BBMP went to seal them.
Notices were already issued to defaulters with significant arrears and revision cases. Despite ample time and OTS scheme, the dues remained, prompting BBMP to resort to sealing properties.
In East Zone, Rs 66 crore is due from 2,418 revision cases, and Rs 61.7 crore from 32,584 defaulters.
Explaining the process, Snehal said that after issuing notices to those with dues, enough time is given. If payment is still not made, an attachment order would be issued. If there is no response to that either, locks will be placed on non-residential properties.
“We were tired of giving chances. When we went today to take action, one made a cheque payment, and another online. We will continue to conduct more such drives. We urge people to make use of the OTS scheme and pay their dues before we lock their properties,” she added.
