Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Corporation disconnects drinking water supply

Photo: M. Periasamy

Stern action: Corporation officials disconnecting water supply to a club at ATT Colony in the city on Saturday following failure to remit property tax. —

Coimbatore: Coimbatore Corporation officials on Saturday began a drive to disconnect water supply connections to commercial buildings in an attempt to ensure a culture of compliance in remitting tax arrears.

Corporation Commissioner, Anshul Mishra pointed out that tax revenue is paramount for carrying out development works and providing basic amenities and infrastructure to the residents.

If the realisation of revenue gets delayed, the growth of the city and upkeep of the facilities and infrastructure would take a beating.

The Commissioner has asked the Revenue Department to prepare a list of establishments that had been evading payment of property tax arrears and the list would be categorised and prioritised in terms of the volume of tax arrears.

The primary and immediate focus of the authorities would be on commercial buildings such as clubs, offices, hotels and lodges that had huge tax arrears.

The officials from the Revenue Department along with the engineering department staff in charge of water supply began the disconnection of water supply at a number of places in the city.

The notable among the disconnections on Saturday included the water supply connection to a private club in ATT Colony in the City.

According to Corporation officials, the extended building of the club was completed in 2005 and an assessment was done in 2008.

A notice was also served on the club asking them to remit the tax arrears. The club had failed to act on the same, officials said.

Hence, the decision to disconnect the water supply on Saturday.

The official machinery has been asked to step up the drive.

Commissioner said that within a week all those who had evaded remittance of tax should turn up failing which the Corporation would intensify and sustain the water supply disconnection drive.

Mayor R. Venkatachalam and Commissioner Anshul Mishra along with Corporation Council Health Committee Chairman, P. Nachimuthu and Public Relations Officer, A. Umapathy on Saturday presented cheques to ten beneficiaries under the Dr.Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Assistance Scheme.

The State Government has allotted funds for providing financial assistance to 300 beneficiaries in Coimbatore City of which 75 beneficiaries are being chosen from each zone and the same was being periodically disbursed.

Government provides Rs 3,000 for three months before delivery and another Rs 3,000 for three months for the post maternity period.

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