Property tax defaulters of Tiruchirapally city in Tamil Nadu have been asked to clear their dues by March 31 or go without water.
At the end of each financial year, the city municipality threatens to cut the water supply of tax defaulters; this year is no exception. The fear tactic has worked.
“Two years ago we cut off the water supply of some properties so that people take us seriously,” the municipality spokesperson said. He added the response to the public notice for clearing house tax arrears has been good but refused to disclose how much money has been collected. The corporation is faced with a budget deficit of Rs 21.49 crore in the financial year 2010-11 and the tax collection drive, it is hoped, will bridge the shortfall. Besides, the corporation has to pay Rs 5 crore to the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board for an underground drainage system that is under construction. Municipal officials said they plan to extend the underground sewerage system and augment water supply through loans and by availing funds under the national urban renewal mission.