Repairs could help old buildings evade tax in South Mumbai

In a bid to ensure that the maintenance of old and dilapidated buildings in south Mumbai is kept in check, a BJP corporator proposed a concession in property tax to residents of 100-year-old buildings that carry out the structure's repair and maintenance work.

Dr Ram Barot moved the proposal that buildings up to a 100-years-old and above if repaired by the residents should be given a concession in the property tax that they pay to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The proposal will be taken up for discussion in the house of BMC on April 10 wherein the BMC corporators will either reject or accept the proposal.

When contacted, Barot confirmed that he has mooted the proposal and is certain to get support from all the corporators in the house. "The proposal is that old buildings, which add aesthetic value to the beauty of the city, be repaired. There are many such buildings in south Mumbai, on Princess Street and many other roads to be specific. But they are in shambles. If they are repaired then they will look good and add value to the city's heritage too," said Barot.

The second part of Barot's proposal suggests giving a concession in property tax for such building residents provided they carry out the repair work. "There are many buildings that need urgent repairs too. They are in bad shape and they collapse because repairs aren't carried out on time. If property tax concession is given to them, then they shall have a different approach towards repair work as an incentive is provided by the BMC. The incentive can be decided by the committee but it should be for 10 years," added Barot.

South Mumbai is home to many old cessed buildings which are dilapidated and are in urgent need of repairs and redevelopment. If the proposal is passed it will benefit these buildings. Once the proposal is passed in the house, it will be sent to the municipal commissioner for his approval.

BENEFIT OF REPAIRS

• Dr Ram Barot, BJP corporator, proposed that buildings up to a 100-years-old and above if repaired by the residents should be given a concession in the property tax paid to BMC.
   
• The proposal will be taken up for discussion by corporators in the house of BMC on April 10.
   
• If passed, it will then be sent to the municipal commissioner for his approval.
   
• The idea is to give residents an incentive so they play a proactive role in maintaining the old buildings that are at the risk of collapse.