Pune: Drone Survey Exposes Unregistered Properties; PMC Estimates ₹75 Crore Revenue Boost
Pune: Property Tax Relief Likely For 32 Merged Villages As NCP Proposes 35% Rate Reduction
Pune, May 20, 2026: A large-scale 3D twin drone survey conducted across Pune city has uncovered several unregistered and under-assessed properties, potentially leading to a major increase in property tax revenue for the Pune Municipal Corporation.
Officials said the survey, carried out through MahaPreit on a pilot basis, identified nearly 90 properties linked to possible tax evasion and unauthorized changes in usage patterns. Civic authorities estimate that these properties alone could generate nearly ₹75 crore in additional revenue.
According to civic officials, Pune has witnessed rapid growth in residential and commercial construction over the years. However, a large number of properties are either not registered for taxation or continue to pay lower taxes despite changes in their usage. This has reportedly caused significant annual revenue losses to the municipal corporation.
Under the existing process, developers or property owners are required to apply for property tax assessment after receiving completion certificates. The tax department then conducts physical measurements before imposing taxes. Officials say the process is time-consuming and lacks transparency, resulting in many properties remaining outside the tax network.
Administrative sources estimate that more than four lakh properties across Pune are yet to be officially recorded in the municipal tax system. Authorities believe proper identification and assessment of these properties could potentially add over ₹1,000 crore to civic revenue.
The drone survey, conducted as part of a broader disaster management mapping project, created a detailed 3D digital database of the city. Using drone-mounted vehicles and aerial mapping technology, the survey documented roads, structures and property details across Pune. The system also helped identify which properties are currently taxed and which remain outside the municipal records.
Officials said the technology allows authorities to access property information instantly, making it easier to detect tax discrepancies and unauthorized constructions.
As part of the pilot project, MahaPreit reportedly submitted files related to recovery proposals worth ₹75 crore to the municipal property tax department. Of this, around ₹55 crore is expected from 78 unregistered properties identified across various regional offices, while another ₹20 crore could come from 12 additional properties.
However, implementation of the proposal has been delayed due to a disagreement over service charges. MahaPreit has sought a 30 percent share of the recovered revenue as compensation for the survey work, a demand the property tax department considers too high.
Ravi Pawar, Deputy Commissioner of the Property Tax Department, said the survey could benefit the city significantly but added that the proposed compensation structure was not financially practical. He stated that discussions with senior officials would be held to explore a revised arrangement.
Administrative sources indicated that authorities are considering an alternative proposal under which the private company involved in the survey work may be offered a lower commission of around 9 percent instead of the initially proposed 30 percent.
Region-Wise Details of Unregistered Properties and Expected Tax Recovery
| Regional Office | Number of Unregistered Properties | Estimated Recovery Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dhole Patil Road | 8 | ₹14,38,95,240 |
| Aundh-Baner | 23 | ₹2,13,19,700 |
| Ghole Road-Shivajinagar | 24 | ₹17,27,66,966 |
| Hadapsar | 2 | ₹3,75,10,324 |
| Dhankawadi | 13 | ₹13,79,035 |
| Nagar Road-Wadgaon Sheri | 2 | ₹15,07,96,802 |
| Yerawada | 7 | ₹3,69,56,519 |
| Total | 78 | ₹55,34,79,618 |
