'Raise property tax, but BBMP should score better’

North Bangalore citizens have reacted overwhelmingly and given several constructive suggestions to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike with regard to the proposed hike in property taxes. 

 A look at some of the points raised reveals that there are more issues at hand than mere raise in property taxes. People in this bracket are willing to pay tax provided the BBMP does its bit of work for the public.  An apartment resident on Kodigehalli main road says he pays Rs 2 per sq ft while staying in the premises while a neighbour rents the place and pays only Rs 2.50 per sq ft per year while earning an annual rent of Rs 2.5 lakh per annum. ``Should they be not paying atleast five per cent of what they earn?’’ he asks.  Regular tax payers who have not missed a payment in more than a decade say second home owners need to be taxed more in every zone. 

``For example, there are people owning two premises in Hebbal-Kempapura – an apartment and an independent house. They stay in a portion of the house and rent out the other floors and the apartment also. These are people who need to be taxed more than self-occupied owners. There should be a mechanism to publish market rates of rented accommodation just the same way as there is a property guidance value. This will boost revenues and reduce fraudulent practices.’’  There was a strong view that residential plots which harvest rain water, install bio-waste linked cooking gas and use solar heating and lighting to be given a tax rebate to reduce dependency on government agencies. 

Community compost units and sewage treatment plants were also given the thumbs up.  Earlier, there was a component called beggar tax which has now been removed from the property tax break-up. A resident feels that it should be reintroduced to help round up beggars who have laid siege to every traffic junction across the city. ``If you stop at Kodigehalli junction or at Hebbal underpass, there are beggars and eunuchs demanding money. They are very aggressive and just the police cannot do anything.  The BBMP too should take action and remove them.’’

 In many areas such as Yelahanka New Town and New BEL road, BBMP officials allow commercial construction and occupation despite clear zoning. Such law breakers are hardly fined. The percentage of fine should be compounded so that it acts as a strong deterrent.  Residents were also of the view that rationalisation of the tax structure was necessary as the Yelahanka zone has been newly created after the BBMP added CMC wards.

Another resident, a senior citizen appreciated the five per cent annual rebate for paying on time as it will definitely reduce their burden. She also suggested a cap of 10 % for larger properties for senior citizens only.  But, its not just a proposal to increase property taxes by the BBMP that law-abiding citizens are upset about. There are a whole lot of complaints and suggestions linked to this move especially when it comes to improving the quality of life of north Bangalore citizens. 

 For residents of Amco Layout, there are no proper roads or amenities linking their layout due to a prolonged land dispute with the Military Farm. Though there were a number of promises made, as the Army has cut off access, government agencies cannot lay drinking water, drainage or even communication lines as the Army objects. ``This is affecting around 4,000 plus residents severely. There is a need for elected representatives and BBMP to sort out this matter as quickly as possible,’’ says a resident.  Though there is a cess on solid waste management, the management of garbage has come in for severe criticism as residents and establishments dump plastic bags full of garbage onto empty sites and on roadsides. ``Cows are swallowing plastic which is harmful too.’’ 

 Citizens also have suggested that animal waste from chicken, pork and meat shops should be segregated and collected separately. ``In Hennur cross, there are many chicken shops and they dump their waste clandestinely at night. These bins attract dogs and over a time have made strays more aggressive.’’  Many citizens say despite paying property tax, they are not getting anything in return from the BBMP. ``Most of the roads in Amrut Nagar A sector have not been asphalted despite the BWSSB completing underground sanitation work.’’  On the busy Airport road, the BBMP has removed all the bus shelters and during recent rains commuters had a harrowing time waiting for buses. 

Some residents were forthright that wherever corporators, local MLAs or ministers lived be it in Sanjeevi nagar (Kodigehalli), RMV II stage, Yelahanka old town and other interior areas, the roads were well paved, well lit and even had walkable footpaths.  ``What is the point in paying money to BBMP when they cannot deliver? The present tax itself is too much. I have strong grounds to oppose any increase,'' says a disgusted resident.  There were constructive suggestions too such as the need to introduce a green cess which can be used to improve parks, medians and public spaces. They not only beautify, but also absorb pollution. Trees should also be planted to compensate ruthless axing for highway widening and metro rail construction.