Bhagalpur: In a major push to enhance revenue transparency and strengthen civic enforcement, the Municipal Corporation has decided to implement GIS mapping technology for holding tax assessment. Through a dedicated mobile application, the exact location, size and photographs of properties owned by holding tax payers will be geo-tagged on a digital map to prevent tax evasion.
Under the new system, every registered property will be digitally mapped, allowing officials to verify discrepancies in declared property details. Civic authorities believe the move will significantly improve revenue collection and bring greater accountability in urban taxation.
Additional Tax for Large Institutions
The corporation has also identified around 700 major institutions in the city — including schools, hotels and hospitals — that will now be required to pay additional charges for sanitation and water supply services. Officials have warned that reluctance to pay dues or failure to provide satisfactory responses to notices could invite legal action.
Municipal Commissioner Kishlay Kushwaha said a list of nearly 5,000 individuals has been prepared who allegedly disrupt sanitation efforts by repeatedly littering or encroaching on public spaces. These “notorious” offenders will face financial penalties and legal proceedings.
He added that accumulated legacy waste at Kankethi will be cleared and a biogas plant will be installed at the site as part of solid waste management reforms.
Crackdown on Illegal Constructions
The commissioner announced that files related to around 700 old illegal constructions will soon be reopened. Strict action will be taken against violations of building bylaws, and unauthorized portions of structures may be demolished. The enforcement drive is expected to cover commercial establishments as well as institutional buildings.
Residents who have not obtained approval for building plans have been advised to regularize their properties in accordance with prescribed norms. Officials cautioned that in the event of fire or other disasters, unauthorized constructions may be demolished if found non-compliant with safety standards.
The civic body also noted that approximately 22,000 individuals are engaged in commercial activities within the city. Those operating outside municipal regulations may eventually face penalties.
Advertisement Policy and Urban Beautification
To improve cleanliness and urban aesthetics, the corporation is preparing a new advertisement policy. Small ward-level zones will be created and tenders floated accordingly. Property owners who wish to display advertisements on private buildings will be required to register with the municipal corporation.
On the infrastructure front, work to bring water from the intake well near the engineering college to the Barari Water Works is in its final stage. Land acquisition related to the project is targeted for completion by February 15.
As part of city beautification initiatives, three parks and one pond will be renovated. In addition, two new entry gates will be constructed at Zero Mile and Champanagar. The corporation has invited suggestions from citizens for these projects.
The commissioner said residents can regularize deviations in their building plans as per existing rules. However, continued non-compliance with civic regulations could attract strict enforcement measures in the future.
