In an attempt to get information on built-up area of buildings and thereby generate more tax revenue, District Minister R Ramalinga Reddy has directed the BBMP to revise records of all registered properties by January 15.

Reddy made the announcement at a revenue review meeting at the BBMP’s South zone office on Tuesday. Reddy said in South zone alone, property identification (PID) numbers had not been issued to around 8,000 properties. “This apart, more than 50,000 properties in South zone have to be revised. In some cases such as commercial buildings, the owners have not declared the actual built-up area,” he explained.

Interestingly, the Minister also suggested that the Palike take the help of engineering college students for the task of revising property records. “It can be outsourced to a private agency too,” he added.

BBMP Commissioner M Lakshminarayana said the Palike would outsource the task of surveying to private agencies. “We cannot depend on students alone as they are not experts. Along with surveyors, students can help revise the data related to properties,” he added. Mayor B S Sathyanarayana said the BBMP could collect nearly `500 in taxes if the property records were revised.

Frozen Works to Resume

Mayor Sathyanarayana said works that had been allocated a total of `522 crore but had been suspended later on would be taken up on a priority basis.

“I shall speak to the government and request them to release funds for the works that can be taken up on priority basis. Prior to this, chief engineers and zonal commissioners has to maintain the road history,” he explained. The road history includes data of nearly 93,000 roads. It will contain details about asphalting, street lights and drains. This is expected to avoid duplication and other misappropriation of funds.

“Officials have to meet with the elected representatives and give the list of works that has to be taken up on priority basis.  I shall give time till Saturday to the officials to submit the road history registry,” he said.

Waste disposal Tardy: Reddy

The Minister said the garbage disposal system in the city was not up to the mark. “People are paying taxes. It is Palike’s responsibility to provide better roads, clear debris and garbage. But I can see heaps of garbage piled up on main roads and prominent junctions.

The BBMP Commissioner or Mayor alone cannot clear the mess. It is the duty of officials who has to come out of their offices and travel through roads. Chief engineers and zonal commissioners has to travel around their jurisdiction in various wards. If they find garbage, engineers concerned should be informed,” he said.