Mysuru Embraces LiDAR Technology for Enhanced Property Tax Collection
In a strategic move to modernize its revenue systems, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has officially decided to adopt Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. This advanced system is set to significantly boost property tax collection by providing unparalleled accuracy in property assessments.
How LiDAR Technology Works
LiDAR operates by using drones to emit laser pulses that create detailed 3D images of properties. This technology measures property boundaries with pinpoint precision, mapping out areas, counting the number of floors, detecting changes in land use, and identifying waterbodies. The result is a highly accurate database that ensures exact property tax calculations, eliminating discrepancies and underreporting.
Current Tax Collection and Projected Growth
In the current financial year, MCC has collected approximately Rs 237 crore in property tax from nearly two lakh households and commercial buildings. With the implementation of LiDAR-based GIS property mapping, officials project a substantial 30% increase, aiming to raise this figure to Rs 300 crore. Similarly, water tax collection is expected to surge from Rs 60 crore to Rs 90 crore, marking a significant revenue enhancement for the city.
Expert Involvement and Government Approval
The decision to adopt LiDAR follows a demonstration by a team of experts from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Calicut. This team has successfully implemented the technology for tax assessment in cities like Varanasi and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. After the demonstration, MCC submitted a proposal to the state urban development department and the state government, seeking permission to deploy LiDAR technology across Mysuru.
Official Statements and Future Steps
MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif, in a statement to TOI, highlighted the benefits observed in other cities. "Even though Varanasi is a small city, it collected a record amount of property and water cess by adopting this technology. This technology helps track missing alterations and violations, including construction of additional floors beyond the approved plan," he said. Once state approval is granted, MCC plans to float a tender and award a contract for mapping all properties, ensuring a comprehensive rollout.
Benefits of LiDAR Implementation
The adoption of LiDAR technology offers multiple advantages:
- Accurate Tax Assessment: By providing precise measurements, LiDAR ensures fair and exact property tax calculations.
- Identification of Unauthorized Structures: The technology helps detect unauthorized constructions, bringing them into the tax net and increasing compliance.
- Enhanced Revenue: With projected increases of 30% in property tax and 50% in water tax, MCC anticipates a substantial boost in municipal funds.
- Efficiency and Transparency: The automated mapping process reduces manual errors and promotes transparency in tax collection.
This initiative positions Mysuru at the forefront of urban technological innovation, setting a precedent for other cities in India to follow in leveraging advanced tools for improved governance and revenue management.
