HUBBALLI: The long-standing request for a Geographic Information System (GIS) survey to incorporate all properties into the tax system and boost property tax collection will soon be fulfilled. Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) is set to become the state’s pioneer in conducting a comprehensive 3D GIS survey, with plans to begin in the first week of March.
The tender procedures were completed, with final approval anticipated during a general body meeting on Feb 17. Following the approval, HDMC officials will finalise remaining procedures and issue a work order to the selected company.
At present, HDMC’s property tax demand note stands at Rs 140 crore, encompassing commercial, domestic, open sites, and other properties. The corporation initiated the GIS survey to increase the demand to Rs 400 crore.
HDMC’s 3D GIS survey will map every building, structure, and property within the municipal limits. This comprehensive digital mapping will help identify unassessed properties and ensure accurate tax collection from all property owners.
The selected company is expected to deploy teams equipped with sophisticated mapping tools to capture detailed spatial data. The survey will document building height, floor area, land use pattern, and property boundaries. This data will be integrated into a centralised digital platform accessible to HDMC officials.
The initiative aims to address issues like tax evasion, under-assessment, and missing properties from the tax net. The digital database will enable efficient monitoring of property developments and modifications, ensuring timely updates to the tax records.
HDMC officials expect the survey to reveal numerous properties that are currently not paying taxes or are undervalued. The modernised system will also simplify the process of tax assessment and collection, making it more transparent and user-friendly for property owners.
The project is expected to take several months to be completed, considering the vast area under HDMC’s jurisdiction.
Vijaykumar R, superintending engineer, HDMC, confirmed the completion of all tender-related formalities. The financial bid will be opened, with two companies participating in the tender process, including a Dubai-based company with GIS survey experience in Varanasi and other major cities across the country.
The GIS survey is estimated to cost Rs 23 crore. HDMC aims to complete the survey before the onset of rains, according to the superintending engineer.
