STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: As the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) intensifies its efforts to collect property taxes; residents are asking a pointed question: where is their money going? This year, citizens have already paid over Rs 82 crore in property tax from 1.1 lakh holdings. Yet, crumbling infrastructure, erratic services, and administrative apathy tell a troubling story. With revenue target of approximately Rs 120 crore still unmet, the GMC is offering rebates to encourage timely payments while simultaneously raising penalties for defaulters. However, many citizens are questioning the very logic of paying taxes for services they claim hardly exist. Property tax collections in Guwahati include charges for water supply, garbage disposal, drainage maintenance, and street lighting — but the ground reality paints a different picture.
“We pay tax, and in return, we wade through knee-deep water every monsoon,” said a frustrated resident of Rukminigoan. Another resident added, “There is no proper drainage, garbage collection is poor, and the civic body is not fulfilling its most basic responsibilities. The Mayor must remember he was elected by taxpayers, not crowned.”
Even as water supply disruptions plague many parts of the city, water taxes continue to be collected. Meanwhile, the city’s sewerage system is virtually non-existent, forcing residents to rely on open drains that overflow during rains, posing serious health risks. Street lighting, promised under Project Jyoti, remains patchy at best.
Speaking to The Sentinel, a senior citizen remarked, “GMC is supposed to supply water, maintain drainage, collect garbage, ensure clean streets, and keep streetlights functioning. But they are supplying water to only 30% of the city — how can they justify taxing 100% of households?” Despite crores collected annually, Guwahati still lacks a comprehensive sewerage network, and much of its infrastructure remains outdated and crumbling.
Also read: Guwahati: GMC urges property owners to clear pending taxes by today
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