Property tax assessment using drones comes under fire from councillors

Coimbatore: Many councillors raised concerns at the Coimbatore Corporation Council meeting on Friday about the discrepancies in property tax assessments using drones.In response to several queries raised by councillors, corporation commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said the assessments were carried out using drones to identify residential buildings turned into commercial buildings, plan violations, and non-assessed new buildings .In addition to drone surveys, corporation officials will measure these properties in person."The measurement details will be issued to the building owner in the form of a notice, giving them a 15-day period to respond," he said."If property owners have valid objections, we will continue to apply the existing property tax. However, if violations are found, the tax will be increased," he added.He said the corporation had received only a few complaints regarding the survey and taxation process. He emphasised that accurate assessments would help generate revenue for the city, as many infrastructure projects require funding.It was the first council meeting presided by mayor K Ranganayaki after her election on August 6.Deputy mayor R Vetriselvan was also present at the meeting.A total of 83 resolutions were tabled at the meeting. Of these, all were passed except three, including one that proposed a fixed monthly fee for users of indoor sports courts in 17 wards and another that sought to revise the building permit fee for residential buildings exceeding 3,500 sq ft to ₹88 per sq. ft.The meeting also passed 17 resolutions related to finance, revenue and taxation despite objections voiced by the chairperson of the finance and taxation committee, VB Mubasheera.She said, "Seventeen resolutions related to our committee were tabled in the council meeting without our knowledge. Not a single subject was brought to the committee for review. All 15 members of the committee oppose the passing of these resolutions."Pointing out that resolutions were passed similarly earlier, committee members urged the mayor to refrain from passing the resolutions. However, the mayor passed the resolutions amidst the opposition.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !