Rs 8 crore in dues; 79 shops still sealed

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The municipal corporation intensified property tax recovery in the last financial year, taking strict action against defaulters. In March, 79 commercial properties across the city were sealed for pending dues amounting to Rs 8.36 crore. With the administration maintaining a firm stance that seals will not be lifted without full payment, traders are under pressure.

Despite repeated appeals by corporators and political leaders seeking relief for traders, the civic body has refused to relax its position. Notices had been issued from January, but many property owners neither responded nor approached the office for clarification.

As March began, officials from Zones 1 to 10 initiated sealing drives as per orders. While some property owners paid dues on the spot to avoid action, others sought time but were denied and their premises were sealed. In one case, a trader removed the seal, prompting immediate criminal action by the corporation.

Between March 4 and March 27, a total of 79 properties were sealed, with outstanding dues exceeding Rs 8 crore.

Deputy commissioner Vikas Navale said, “Seals have been removed only where dues were cleared. Until full payment is made, properties will remain sealed. The administration will not step back.”