As the financial year approaches its conclusion, a rigorous drive to recover outstanding property tax has been initiated by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). Defaulters who failed to respond to multiple notices have been targeted, with 33 major properties already seized and ₹5.12 crore successfully recovered from ten of them.
In accordance with the 2024-25 budget, a collection target of ₹900 crore had been established by the NMMC for property tax revenue. As of now, ₹617 crore has been collected. Notices have been issued to nearly 8,000 defaulters, each owing more than ₹1 lakh. Despite repeated reminders, several major defaulters failed to clear their dues within the stipulated timeframe, leading to the attachment of their properties. The significance of property tax as a primary source of municipal revenue has been emphasized by Municipal Commissioner Kailas Shinde. It has been stated that the funds collected contribute directly to essential civic services, making it imperative for citizens to fulfill their tax obligations. Residents have been urged to cooperate in ensuring the smooth functioning of the city’s infrastructure and services.
Among the major cases under scrutiny, a well-known housing society in Nerul has been identified as a significant defaulter, with outstanding dues exceeding ₹5 crore. The society’s properties have already been attached, and a final warning regarding auction proceedings has been issued. It has been revealed that the housing society comprises 68 commercial units, each carrying an unpaid tax amount exceeding ₹1 lakh. The total dues of ₹5.32 crore have necessitated the appointment of a confiscation officer, who has been tasked with overseeing the attachment process. A strict deadline of five days has been set, after which the properties will be auctioned if the outstanding payments are not settled.
To further enforce compliance, additional measures such as the disconnection of water supply to housing societies and commercial establishments with significant arrears have been considered by the civic body. These steps are intended to ensure that long-pending dues are recovered without further delay. A clear message has been conveyed by the NMMC that strict action will be taken against those failing to clear their dues. The municipal commissioner has reiterated that timely payment of property tax is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial contribution toward the development and maintenance of the city’s services.
Residents and business owners who have defaulted have been strongly advised to settle their dues promptly to avoid severe penalties, including property attachment and auction. The crackdown is expected to continue until a substantial portion of the pending taxes has been recovered.
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