In a bid to address escalating property tax arrears, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has instituted a contentious strategy by discontinuing water provision to delinquent ratepayers.
This manoeuvre has triggered widespread discontent among locals already contending with erratic water access amid scorching summer conditions. Confronted with mounting financial strain, the PMC has escalated revenue-generation endeavours, notably focusing on recouping lingering property tax obligations. Despite witnessing a notable upsurge in property tax receipts, outstanding dues have eclipsed the Rs 10,000 crore mark, with an array of governmental bodies, commercial enterprises, and individuals in substantial arrears.
The Property Tax Department has spearheaded direct water cutoffs as a punitive measure. However, this tactic has elicited backlash from residents, asserting its disproportionate impact on ordinary citizens, while certain affluent entities with sizable tax liabilities remain unscathed. Consequently, the water cutoffs have left numerous residents devoid of essential utilities, compelling them to seek recourse through alternative water sources. Critics have decried the PMC’s strategy, contending that it disproportionately penalises common citizens with relatively modest tax liabilities. Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of synergy between the Property Tax Department and the PMC’s water supply division, with water supply officials asserting their non-involvement or consultation in the decision-making process. While the Property Tax Department defends its measures as imperative for revenue recuperation, apprehensions persist regarding the legality and efficacy of this approach. In essence, the PMC’s decision to curtail water provision as a means of tax recovery has engendered controversy, spotlighting the intricate balance local authorities must strike between financial imperatives and resident welfare.
