Opposition MLAs express concern over drone survey of properties in Bengaluru

Opposition MLAs from Bengaluru expressed concern over the use of drones for the ongoing survey of properties by the five corporations under GBA to know if the actual built-up area matches what has been declared by the owners.

Raising the issue during the Question Hour in the Karnataka Assembly on March 10, BJP member C.K. Ramamurthy expressed concern that such a measure had caused panic among residents.

Leader of Opposition R. Ashok described it as ‘property tax terrorism’ while alleging that the five city corporations were indiscriminately increasing the tax after the drone survey of properties.

The opposition members urged Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to immediately stop the drone survey, while questioning whether an aerial survey would give a clear position of structures in areas where the buildings are densely packed.

Mr. Shivakumar replied that the city corporations would take action if there is any written complaint that the drone survey was not proper. He informed that the five city corporations had, so far, used drones for surveys of various properties, and issued show-cause notices to 24,874 owners due to discrepancies in the measurements related to built-up area.

“Once it is proved that the actual built-up area is more, the corporation authorities would revise the property tax based on the new measurements, and tell the owners to pay the differential amount, penalty equivalent of differential amount, and interest on the dues till the due date,” he said.