Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The municipal corporation has disconnected 14 water connections of society in the Hudco N-12 area for the recovery of property and water taxes. They also severed the society's drainage line connection. The administration didn't stop there and even warned that they would not pick up the garbage from the society until the entire outstanding amount is cleared. Seeing the municipal corporation's harsh approach, the citizens were left stunned. The big question is whether the municipal corporation can do this according to the law.
The civic administration is currently focusing on the recovery of property tax and water tax. They have set a target of collecting Rs 500 crore before March 31. Commercial properties are being sealed, while only residential property owners are being followed up with. On Wednesday morning, officers and staff from Zone No. IV entered the Nayar Mohammed Society in Hudco N-12 sector. They demanded Rs 7 lakh in property tax and Rs 4.48 lakh in water tax. When the residents expressed their inability to pay, the authorities disconnected the society's 14 official water connections and blocked the drainage line. They also warned that they would stop collecting garbage from society starting tomorrow.
Already paid the taxes
The property owners have said that they have paid the property tax and water tax to the society's office-bearers. However, the concerned office-bearers have not deposited the money with the municipal corporation, and because of this, the residents mentioned that action is being taken against them.
According to ward officer Ashok Giri, the municipal corporation law permits them to disconnect water and drainage connections to recover the property and water taxes.
When asked why the recovery is being done in an autocratic manner, he claimed, “ The notice was given to the society and was also hinted at the action if they fail to pay the taxes. However, Giri was unable to justify action under the Mumbai Provincial Act as municipal corporation law.