Residents welfare associations have urged the State to refrain from increasing property taxes, to refund collected water and sewer taxes where services were not provided, and to suspend future collections until connections are in place. These points were part of 10 resolutions adopted during the second general body meeting of the Alliance Of Resident Welfare Associations on September 29. Additionally, they requested the government to avoid raising electricity tariffs and to switch back to monthly billing cycles.
The Alliance criticized the implementation of the Street Vendors Act, 2014, in congested areas like George Town and Triplicane, which has led to encroachments in Parrys Corner and Sowcarpet, affecting pedestrian safety and traffic flow. They estimated a revenue loss of ₹20 crore for the Greater Chennai Corporation due to uncollected vendor fees and called for stricter enforcement of the Act.
Concerns were raised about the Pallikaranai marshland’s drastic reduction from 13,590 acres to 1,482 acres, compromising its capacity to absorb rainwater and prevent flooding. Despite opposition, the Greater Chennai Corporation plans to convert part of the marshland into an eco-park. The Alliance emphasized the need for a united stance against this project.
The meeting also tackled slum rehabilitation, particularly in North Chennai’s Vyasarpadi and Kodungaiyur areas, where over 11.5 lakh people reportedly live in unsanitary conditions. They suggested adopting models like Maharashtra’s Comprehensive Slum Rehabilitation Scheme for budget-friendly improvements in living standards.
The assembled resolutions and concerns reflect the Alliance’s dedication to addressing pressing urban issues and improving living conditions for Chennai residents.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/residents-welfare-associations-in-chennai-oppose-move-to-hike-property-tax/article68701908.ece
Category : Chennai
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