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.