'Stop Collecting Property Tax': Frustrated Bengaluru People Write To Siddaramaiah Over Poor Infra

Bengaluru citizens’ forum expressed their strong disappointment over the poor infrastructure of the city. In a letter, they urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to look into the matter and direct the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) not to collect property tax from residents until the civic work is fixed.

The forum, Individual Tax Payers Forum, which represents residents and income taxpayers, has accused the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) and GBA of ineffective planning and execution regarding road white-topping and stormwater drainage projects.

They complained that “unscientific and incomplete” civic works in their locality have led to flooding and poor road conditions. In a letter dated October 13, addressed to the Chief Minister,

the residents of the Varthur-Balagere-Panathur area.

They requested the CM to order a scientific audit of the ongoing drainage and road works in the affected areas.

“Namma Bengaluru is globally recognised as India’s IT hub, and such civic negligence erodes the pride and credibility of Brand Bengaluru,” the Forum stated, adding that the city’s reputation as the “Garden City” and “Silicon Valley” of India is now overshadowed by tags like “Pothole City” and “No Footpath City.” They urged, “If the GBA continues to ignore taxpayers’ requests for basic public infrastructure, we request you to order the GBA not to collect property tax from us. Provide us with good public infrastructure and then collect tax.”

The citizens alleged that they have been suffering due to “half-measured, unscientific, and poorly coordinated” road white-topping and stormwater drainage works carried out by municipal authorities in their areas.

The forum also urged the CM to ensure completion and interconnection of the stormwater drainage network before proceeding with further road works, and establish accountability among municipal officials and contractors.