Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday persisted with a fierce tax recovery drive, seizing properties of five defaulters even as officials warned non-payers of a steep double-tax penalty from April. Taxpayers have until March 31 to clear their dues or face severe action.
Residents who fail to pay their 2024-25 property tax on time will lose the 50% rebate on self-occupied residential properties. From April, tax will be calculated on the full annual rental value, doubling the amount they owe to the civic body. The corporation has urged taxpayers to settle their dues now to avoid financial strain later.
All ward offices of the civic body remained open on Sunday as municipal workers repeatedly called and visited those who had yet to make their annual payments to the civic body, which is hoping to collect Rs 600 crore in revenues before the close of the fiscal year.
In a stern move, the BMC seized five properties. Zone 5 saw four seizures, including Radha Krishna Bhojanalaya at Royal Market, Afaq Ahmed's property on Sultania Road, and Reliance Hotel, belonging to Shafiqa Bano. Another property, 99 City Centre, was also targeted for outstanding dues. In Zone 8, a Riviera Town Phase-2 property owned by Mangesh Namdeo and Rajendra Singh was also seized.
Some defaulters attempted last-minute payments to prevent further action. Mohammad Habib Sheikh, who owed Rs 1,09,519, made a part payment during the crackdown. Radha Krishna Bhojanalaya’s owners also rushed to settle half of their Rs 57,850 dues, hoping to reclaim their property.
Municipal Commissioner Harendra Narayan has ordered aggressive recovery efforts, instructing officials to leave no defaulter unchecked. Ward and zone offices will continue to remain open on holidays, ensuring taxpayers can clear dues conveniently. Online payment options are also available.
The corporation’s tough stance signals its intent to recover all pending dues without leniency. Officials warn that similar action will continue, and repeated defaulters may face legal consequences. With the deadline looming, taxpayers have little time left to avoid penalties. The ongoing revenue drive aside, the BMC is yet to design a workable year-round mechanism for revenue collections, which dwindle throughout the year, with the civic body pushing for hard recoveries only in October and March each year.
