COIMBATORE: The residents of Bharathi Nagar in ward 87 on Wednesday announced their decision to stop paying property tax to the corporation for not providing them basic amenities, for which they have been making representations one after another for the past 30 years.
They placed a flex banner in their locality, stating that they wouldn’t pay property tax until their long-pending grievances were addressed. Their demands include repairing of damaged roads, establishing of proper drainage systems and resolving the issue of sewage getting mixed with drinking water.
R A Nisar, secretary, Bharathi Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association, said, “Sewage water has been getting mixed with drinking water for the past two years. Although the corporation rectified the problem a few times, there is no permanent solution. With no other option, we are forced to use contaminated water, which has caused health issues for many.”
During the rainy season, he said, waterlogging was an issue as the area lacked proper drainage channels. “We request the corporation to construct storm water drains. While the corporation has removed the garbage bins from our area, sanitary workers are not collecting waste daily. They come only once every four days, forcing us to store waste until their visit,” he said.
Mohammad Rafi, president, Bharathi Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association, said the roads in their area were in a bad condition. “The children’s park is not maintained properly and becomes waterlogged during monsoon. We have been paying property tax regularly for all these years. Despite petitioning the councillor, corporation commissioner, collector, and even the CM cell, our grievances have not been addressed. Therefore, we have decided not to pay property tax until our issues are resolved.”
When contacted, south zone assistant corporation commissioner said, “We will inspect the area on Thursday and meet the residents. Their grievances will be addressed after the meeting.”
Source Homevior.in
