CHENNAI: The alliance of residents’ welfare associations (AoRWA), a federation of 425 RWAs, has urged the state govt to rescind the recent 6% property tax hike passed by GCC. They demanded that taxes not be collected from residents who don’t have basic water and sewer connections.
In its second annual general body meeting over the weekend, AoRWA passed ten resolutions, emphasizing the need for improved civic infrastructure before implementing tax hikes. “Civic infrastructure and amenities must be provided by the govt on priority, and the tax hike proposal should be put on hold,” said AoRWA general secretary J M S Nagarjunan.
Many residents’ associations had earlier challenged the 2022 tax revision in the high court, arguing the hike of 50% to 150% was unjustified due to inadequate facilities. The new tax increase was implemented before their petitions were addressed. Members voiced concerns over poor roads, inefficient stormwater drains and lack of water and sewer connections.
AoRWA also called for electricity tariffs to be billed monthly instead of bi-monthly, citing financial strain on many residents post-pandemic.
During the meeting, chaired by AoRWA president D. Neelakannan, a resolution was passed urging CMDA to protect waterbodies, catchment areas, forests, and educational zones from reclassification for other land use. Additionally, they pressed for restoration of 139 waterbodies in the city.
Concerned about the impact on the Ramsar-tagged Pallikaranai marshland, AoRWA also passed a resolution against the proposed eco-park in the reclaimed Perungudi dump yard. Lastly, they voted to designate separate areas for dogs and cattle, away from densely populated spaces, and to ensure their regular feeding.
