Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation temporarily abandons garbage, drainage user fees

Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation discussed with KCCI, various organizations and stakeholders, with pros and cons taken into account. |Photo source: Kiran Bakale

Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) decided to temporarily abandon charges for solid waste management and underground drainage users after public outrage over tax rate hikes and strong opposition in the indistinguishable area of ​​the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce (KCCI).

Hubballi-Dharwad Mayor Ramanna Badiger announced on Monday that he had decided to temporarily withdraw their property tax revisions with KCCI, various organizations and stakeholders and after considering the pros and cons.

The mayor said property taxes were imposed under the 2019 guidelines and subsequently, new guidelines were issued during the 2023-24 period, but were not implemented during the 2024-25 period.

“This year, it is being implemented with a 3% revision in 2025-26,” he clarified.

He further clarified that the solid waste management tax for the year has been completely removed. “Usage of this residential property has been reduced from 50 Paise to 25 Paise per square foot from at least Rs 600 to up to Rs 2,400 for non-residential and commercial properties, with a minimum Rs 1,800 and a maximum Rs 12,000 for Rs 12,000.”

On the charges of underground drainage users, it will be collected from the current finances, he said, as people have pointed out, charging fees is unscientific because most places lack the facility and the idea now has fallen.

For querying, he said that when sending out Challans, technicians had been asked to correct the online error.

“Citizens who own property in various wards will now be able to pay taxes in one regional office,” he said.

Extended

The mayor said the payment of a 5% discount on property tax has been extended for one month to benefit the public.

Floor head Viranna Savadi pointed out in response to the inquiry that underground drainage tax and user collection are mandatory, and any violations can lead to criminal cases against the municipal commissioner and may issue notice to the mayor.

Therefore, a resolution collected by underground drainage users only after the facility is provided will be approved at the general body meeting of the Council and then sent to the Government for approval.

Meanwhile, KCCI welcomes the company’s decision to amend property tax.

KCCI Shankranna Munavalli’s Presspersons, current President Saunshimath and other office competitors welcomed it, but he opposed the mayor’s statement on withdrawing the interim CESS.

KCCI earlier appealed to the public not to pay property taxes until the issue is resolved, but after the latest decision it has asked them to pay taxes.