BBMP seals 115 properties in Bengaluru over unpaid tax dues

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) launched a strict enforcement drive recently, sealing 115 properties across the city for outstanding property tax dues. This action follows the conclusion of a six-month grace period under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, which offered tax defaulters relief options to settle outstanding dues.

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Among the eight BBMP zones, East Zone led the crackdown, with 32 properties sealed, followed closely by West Zone with 30. Other affected zones included RR Nagar (17), South (13), Yelahanka (8), and Bommanahalli, Dasarahalli, and Mahadevapura with five each.

The OTS scheme, introduced in February, aims to assist tax defaulters by waiving 100% of compound interest and providing a 50% reduction in penalties. The scheme’s last date is November 30, yet large arrears persist. In East Zone alone, an estimated Rs 127 crore remains in unpaid taxes, with Rs 66 crore linked to 2,418 revision cases and Rs 61.7 crore owed by 32,584 defaulters.

BBMP’s East Zone Commissioner, Snehal R, spearheaded the drive, explaining that despite prior notifications and ample time, the unpaid dues required more assertive measures. During the sealing operation, two property owners promptly cleared dues totaling Rs 17.4 lakh.

BBMP has urged property owners to settle their dues through the OTS scheme to avoid further action and it plans to continue its efforts to ensure compliance across the city.