The Deccan Chronicle 23.09.2009

Buildings with cellphone towers likely to be taxed

Chennai, Sept. 22: Property owners who have rented out their terrace and open space for erecting cellphone towers will soon have to shell out additional tax to the city corporation along with the property tax.

“The number of buildings with mobile phone towers in the city could be 2,000 to 3,000,” said the corporation commissioner, Mr Rajesh Lakhoni.

A detailed report on the number of buildings and their revenue through the towers would be submitted during the next council meet and it would take the final decision on the proposal, Mr Lakhoni added.

The corporation opposition floor leader, Saidai Ravi, had mooted the idea of collecting additional taxes and councillors, cutting across party lines, welcomed the proposal. It would help the corporation earn Rs 8 crore per annum.