Bengaluru's GBA Deploys Drones and GPS in Major Crackdown on Property Tax Evasion
In a significant enforcement drive, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has successfully identified nearly 10,000 properties evading property taxes, uncovering approximately Rs 370 crore in unpaid dues. This crackdown, conducted in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and specialized GPS survey teams, leverages advanced technology to ensure accurate tax collection and boost municipal revenue.
Extensive Survey Reveals Widespread Evasion
The investigation was based on a comprehensive approach involving door-to-door surveys, GPS data collection, and high-resolution drone mapping of built-up areas. Officials discovered that many property owners had declared lower built-up areas or provided incorrect usage details, leading to substantial revenue losses for the city. Specifically, Bengaluru South City Corporation reported 5,141 properties evading tax, while Bengaluru West City Corporation had 3,420 such cases.
Munish Moudgil, Special Commissioner of Revenue and IT for GBA, emphasized the scale of the evasion, stating, "We have found an evasion amounting to approximately Rs 370 crores across these 10,000 properties. This involves around 49,000 notices—one notice for each year—since each property has reported lower taxes for an average of about five years."
Technology-Driven Detection Process
Authorities are conducting daily surveys of around 10,000 properties using handheld GPS devices, while drones capture detailed images to map actual built-up areas. This data undergoes rigorous quality control verification before being cross-referenced with tax declarations. Numerous instances were identified where property owners failed to disclose commercial use or underreported areas, directly impacting tax calculations.
The GBA explained the matching process: "GPS-based ground data is matched with drone images and digitised maps. If there is a mismatch in declared area or usage, a showcause notice is issued asking owners to pay evaded tax along with interest and penalty."
Streamlined Communication and Response Mechanisms
To expedite communication, notices are sent via SMS and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems. Property owners who receive these notices have 15 days to respond or file appeals through the official portal. For those opting to settle dues immediately, online payment options are available. This streamlined approach aims to enhance compliance and reduce administrative delays.
Step-by-Step Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted through a meticulous process:
- House visits where GPS teams carry property tax data in mobile apps.
- Team members capture GPS coordinates, record usage details (residential, commercial, mixed), and note the number of floors, sending this information to a backend system.
- A quality control team reviews all received data, rejecting and returning any cases for re-evaluation.
- Approved cases are compared with drone data and digitised built-up areas; discrepancies trigger showcause notices for payment of evaded taxes, interest, and penalties.
This initiative underscores Bengaluru's commitment to leveraging technology for governance and revenue enhancement, setting a precedent for other cities to follow in combating tax evasion effectively.
