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Bengaluru Residents' Tax Revolt: Why They're Withholding Payments Amid Civic Crisis

Bengaluru residents are taking a stand against ongoing civic negligence in their neighborhoods. They've written directly to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanding immediate action on infrastructure problems. The letter highlights how incomplete drainage work and road projects have led to repeated flooding and waterlogging issues. Residents are now threatening to withhold property tax payments until the government restores basic civic standards.

Key Points: Bengaluru Residents Demand Property Tax Freeze Over Civic Issues

  • Residents report stormwater being redirected into manholes causing severe waterlogging
  • Sewage continuously flows into Varthur Lake due to infrastructure failures
  • Ongoing roadworks proceed without completing essential drainage lines first
  • Encroachments have completely obstructed stormwater channels across neighborhoods
2 min read

Don't collect property tax until civic issues are fixed: Bengaluru residents to Karnataka CM Siddaramiah

Varthur, Balagere, and Panathur residents warn Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah they won't pay property tax until flooding and infrastructure problems are fixed.

"If the GBA continues to ignore citizens' demands for basic infrastructure, residents have urged the Chief Minister to instruct the authority to suspend property tax collection until civic standards are restored. - Individual Taxpayers Forum"

Bengaluru, October 15

The residents of Varthur, Balagere, and Panathur wrote a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging authorities to refrain from collecting property tax until civic standards are restored. In their letter, the residents of the area have also demanded immediate action against the incomplete and unscientific civic works being carried out in the area.

In a detailed representation dated October 13, the Individual Taxpayers Forum, which represents residents and income taxpayers, has accused the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) and GBA (Greater Bengaluru Authorities) of ineffective planning and execution regarding road white-topping and stormwater drainage projects. These shortcomings have led to repeated flooding during rainy seasons.

Despite the Chief Minister's visit to the area on September 27, the letter claims that officials have disregarded instructions and have continued with "half-measured, unscientific" work.

Residents report that stormwater is being redirected into manholes, resulting in significant waterlogging. Additionally, encroachments have obstructed stormwater channels.

Sewage is continuously flowing into Varthur Lake, and culverts are leaking onto roads. Ongoing roadworks are being conducted without completing the drainage lines, resulting in the rapid deterioration of the new roads. Describing this situation as a case of "civic negligence" that tarnishes the reputation of "Brand Bengaluru," the residents have called on the Chief Minister to initiate a scientific audit of the road and drainage works.

They also emphasised that proper interconnection of stormwater drains should be ensured before any road projects commence. Additionally, they also urged for greater accountability among both officials and contractors, as well as the construction of quality roads that include safe footpaths.

The letter concludes with a strong warning: if the GBA continues to ignore citizens' demands for basic infrastructure, residents have urged the Chief Minister to instruct the authority to suspend property tax collection until civic standards are restored.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Living in Varthur for 8 years and the situation keeps getting worse. Every monsoon we face the same flooding issues. Contractors just do shoddy work and disappear. Tax boycott is the only language officials understand.
A
Arjun K
While I understand the frustration, stopping tax collection entirely might affect other essential services. Maybe we should demand better accountability instead? The system needs fixing, not breaking.
S
Sarah B
The sewage flowing into Varthur Lake is heartbreaking 💔. We used to have such a beautiful lake, now it's becoming a dumping ground. Scientific audit is absolutely necessary before any more work.
V
Vikram M
Same story every year - new roads dug up within months, drainage work incomplete. Our tax money is literally going down the drain. Time for citizens to unite and demand better governance.
M
Michael C
The CM visited on Sept 27 and still no action? Shows how much officials care about public welfare. No taxation without proper representation and infrastructure!

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