Bengaluru: In a bid to tackle the growing issue of unpaid property taxes, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has initiated a special drive to seal properties with outstanding dues, as per a TOI report. Following a six-month grace period allowing citizens to settle their arrears through the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, the BBMP took action on October 29, sealing 115 properties across Bengaluru on the first day of the operation.
The East Zone led the charge, with 32 properties sealed, closely followed by the West Zone, which had 30 properties locked up. Other areas affected included RR Nagar with 17 sealed properties, South with 13, Yelahanka with eight, and Bommanahalli, Dasarahalli, and Mahadevapura, each with five properties sealed.
The OTS scheme, introduced in February, aimed to provide relief to defaulters by waiving 100% of compound interest and offering a 50 percent discount on penalties. However, despite this initiative, many residents failed to settle their dues, prompting the BBMP to take these drastic measures. The last date to avail of the OTS scheme is November 30.
East Zone has the highest tax arrears, with an average of Rs 127 crore. Zonal commissioner Snehal R highlighted the situation, noting that Rs 66 crore is owed from 2,418 revision cases and Rs 61.7 crore from 32,584 defaulters. When BBMP officials attempted to seal properties, two owners promptly paid a total of Rs 17.4 lakh to avoid the action.
Snehal explained the process leading to this decision, stating, “We were tired of giving chances. 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.”
She urged residents to take advantage of the OTS scheme before facing similar consequences, saying, “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.”