Nagpur: Several establishments in Kachipura-Ramdaspeth facing scrutiny over encroachment and land-use violations have also allegedly failed to pay Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) property tax for years.In a recent action, NMC’s Laxmi Nagar Zone No. 1 has initiated seizure and recovery proceedings against eight properties with cumulative property tax dues of Rs 8.81 crore.The action was taken on Tuesday as part of a special property tax recovery drive being conducted from Aug 20 to Sept 30. The properties targeted include commercial establishments located along WHC Road and Central Bazaar Road in Kachipura.Sai Vatika on WHC Road, owned by Suresh Verma, has an outstanding property tax liability of Rs 82.56 lakh for 2017-2026. Jagdish Saoji has dues of Rs 19.48 lakh for 2007-2026, while Mahesh Verma’s property — Bharat Lawn — has arrears of Rs 44.03 lakh for 2009-2026.Similarly, Sanman Lawn has outstanding dues of Rs 42.91 lakh for 2012-2026. Sujal Saoji has dues of Rs 12.13 lakh, while Better Home has an outstanding liability of Rs 34.12 lakh. Sardar Ki Rasoi has accumulated the highest dues among the Kachipura establishments, with Rs 1.71 crore pending since 2008.NMC also initiated seizure proceedings against an open plot at Somalwada Chowk on Wardha Road owned by Fatima Siddiqui Sajed Begum. The property has outstanding tax dues of Rs 4.74 crore dating back to 2001.The civic body has warned the defaulters that failure to clear the outstanding amount would invite further action, including disconnection of water and sewer connections.The property tax action comes at a time when Kachipura is already under the civic administration’s scanner over alleged unauthorised development and land-use violations. Earlier, Maharashtra govt vacated a stay concerning Kachipura land, following which NMC’s Dharampeth Zone began preparing notices under Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act against 56 commercial establishments.Kachipura, located around WHC Road and Ramdaspeth, has developed into a busy commercial pocket with banquet halls, restaurants, nurseries and other establishments. The civic administration’s action now highlights a second issue — long-pending property tax dues. Union minister and city MP Nitin Gadkari had already announced BKC-style commercial complex there.NMC officials said the recovery drive would continue against defaulters. The latest operation was conducted under the guidance of Laxmi Nagar Zone assistant commissioner Dhananjay Jadhav, with tax inspectors and other civic staff participating.
