Thane, August 18: Residents’ Associations of Thane have strongly opposed the Thane Municipal Corporation’s (TMC) proposal to increase property tax by 12 per cent for residential properties and up to 20 per cent for non-residential properties, terming the proposed hike unjustified in view of the inadequate civic amenities and services in the city.
The residents questioned the rationale behind imposing an additional financial burden on taxpayers when several basic civic issues remain unresolved. They said the civic administration should first demonstrate substantial improvement in the services being provided before seeking higher taxes.
According to the residents’ associations, solid waste management and sanitation continue to be major concerns in several parts of the city. Garbage collection and disposal remain problematic at various locations, while inadequate sewerage and drainage infrastructure has resulted in overflowing drains, waterlogging and unhygienic conditions, particularly during the monsoon.
The associations also pointed to the lack of proper footpaths in several residential areas. Senior citizens, women, children and pedestrians are often forced to walk on roads either because footpaths are unavailable or because existing footpaths have been encroached upon. Illegal parking has further aggravated the situation, causing traffic congestion and posing risks to pedestrians and motorists.
The slow progress of the Metro project was another issue highlighted by the residents. They noted that the project has been under discussion and implementation for more than eight years, yet progress remains slow, while citizens continue to face traffic congestion and inadequate public transport connectivity.
The residents said repeated tax increases cannot substitute for efficient financial management, proper utilisation of existing revenue and accountability in civic administration. They demanded that the TMC immediately withdraw the proposed property tax hike and publish a transparent account of how existing property tax revenue is being utilised.
They also called for immediate improvement in solid waste management, sanitation, sewerage and drainage infrastructure, provision of obstruction-free footpaths, strict action against illegal parking and encroachments, and expediting the Metro project with a clear, time-bound implementation schedule.
The associations further demanded meaningful consultation with residents and taxpayers before any decision is taken to increase the tax burden.
“Citizens are willing to pay their taxes, but they are equally entitled to demand quality civic services in return. Taxation must be accompanied by accountability, transparency and proper delivery of basic amenities,” said Sashikumar Nair, Thane.
The Residents’ Associations have appealed to the TMC General Body and elected representatives not to impose an additional financial burden on ordinary citizens without first ensuring substantial improvement in existing civic services.
“First provide better civic services, ensure accountability and utilise existing revenue efficiently — then talk about additional taxation,” the associations said.