Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation has collected ₹103.03 crore in pending and current property tax dues in just 14 days, with officials attributing the sharp rise to a special intensive collection drive being held across the city. The collection was recorded between July 3 and 16, during which property owners voluntarily came forward to clear their tax dues. Compared to the corresponding period last year, the corporation’s collection efficiency has increased by 145 per cent, officials said.“The special property tax collection camp, which began on July 3, will continue till July 31. We will also conduct special intensive collection activities as part of the drive to recover long-pending dues. Of the 14,23,653 property owners in the city, 7,10,285 have paid their property tax without any arrears,” said city revenue officer K Mahesh.However, the civic body is yet to collect ₹969.56 crore from the remaining 7,13,363 property owners. “We have been sending tax reminders through WhatsApp, along with QR codes for instant payments; this has helped improve collections. To ensure property owners pay without penalties, taxpayers are also being reminded through pamphlets and newspaper advertisements,” the official added.Officials have urged property owners to clear their pending dues to avoid penal interest. Payments can be made through the corporation’s website, mobile application, WhatsApp service, tax collectors and special camps set up in zones and wards. The corporation has advised property owners to utilise the facility and cooperate with the civic body in ensuring the timely delivery of essential services.
