Pune : Residents of newly merged 34 villages held rally against high property taxes imposed by PMC
Pune : Residents of newly merged 34 villages held rally against high property taxes imposed by PMC
Various residents from the newly merged villages in the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) jurisdiction took out a rally protesting against the high property taxes levied on them on Tuesday. The rally included participants from Uttamnagar, Kondhwe, and Kopre villages converging at the Shivane ward office to voice their concerns.
A resident requesting anonymity expressed dissatisfaction and stated that the current tax rates surpass those previously paid under the gram panchayat. The protestors also highlighted the lack of basic amenities, particularly concerning the road infrastructure and water supply.
The ongoing water crisis has compelled residents to rely on tankers, as connecting water pipelines remain incomplete.
PMC officials, however, defended the tax imposition, citing the need to initiate Rs 1246 crore from the 34 merged areas for development purposes. However, the residents argue for a tax discount, considering the inadequate provision of services.
According to PMC data, there are approximately 4.25 lakh properties in the merged areas, with 3.75 lakh falling under the tax ambit.
Notably, Rs 985 crore is to be recovered from 11 merged areas, while Rs 261 crore is owed by 23 villages.
Vikram Kumar, PMC Commissioner, assured residents of future development, with the PMC allocating Rs 500 crore in the 2024–25 municipal budget for this purpose. Despite concerns about financial strain, PMC officials stress the necessity of tax recovery for sustained development.
In related developments, two villages, Uruli and Phursungi, are set to be demerged from PMC following citizen petitions and state government intervention. Despite assurances, the demerger process is pending completion, awaiting the establishment of a municipal council.
The rally underscores the residents’ plea for equitable taxation and improved civic amenities while also highlighting the complexities of local governance and infrastructure development in merged areas.
