eographical Information System survey to curb irregularities

Tirupati: On the directions of the state government, the Municipal Corporation of Tirupati (MCT) has been conducting Geographical Information System (GIS) survey and mapping of properties in the temple city to know the actual measurements of residential houses, commercial complexes and properties used for some other purpose. The main objective of the GIS survey and mapping is to curb the irregularities in the assessment of property tax. 

According to sources, revenue staff and bill collectors of the civic body had collected measurements of buildings manually and did not furnish the actual measurements to the MCT by accepting bribe from the property owners. 

The undervaluation of properties has been going on for the last few years. To put an end to the irregularities, the MCT has engaged an Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) firm to record the actual measurements. So far, the civic body has reassessed 69,653 properties based on the GIS survey and mapping records. Till now, 80 per cent of GIS survey work was completed. 

Now, municipal officials can check the building measurements on computer screen by clicking on a door number in the GIS map. The civic body wants to impose the property tax with the measurements recorded in the GIS method.

Also, the revenue staff are assessing the vacant land for imposing tax. The GIS property mapping survey would be completed by October. Officials of the civic body are expecting the income from the property tax would be doubled once the taxes are revised. 

At present, the MCT is collecting Rs 45 crore from property tax every year. Speaking to The Hans India, Deputy Commissioner MVD Phaniram said income from the property tax would be increased once the irregularities are curbed.