A comprehensive property tax recovery campaign has been intensified by the Thane Municipal Corporation as the financial year 2025–26 approaches its final quarter. The move has been undertaken to strengthen municipal finances and ensure the recovery of long-pending dues. Directions have been issued by Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao for the names of major defaulters to be published in local media outlets, with the objective of prompting immediate settlement of outstanding payments.
A multi-layered enforcement strategy has been implemented. Legal notices and warrants have been served to individuals and establishments with significant arrears. In cases where payments have continued to be withheld, properties have been confiscated and prepared for auction proceedings. Essential services have also been affected, as water supply connections have been disconnected in extreme instances of non-compliance.
The impact of the drive has already been observed. A total of 513 properties have been confiscated, while 213 have been sealed. Water supply services have been discontinued for 1,206 defaulters. These actions have been presented as necessary steps to uphold fiscal discipline and ensure fairness among compliant taxpayers.
In parallel with enforcement, efforts have been made to simplify the payment process. A dedicated WhatsApp chatbot facility has been introduced, through which taxpayers have been enabled to access bills and make instant payments. This digital initiative has been positioned as a measure to reduce administrative barriers and promote voluntary compliance. Service accessibility has also been enhanced. Collection centres across various wards have been directed to remain operational on weekends, with specified hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Currently, 21 active collection centres have been functioning across the city, while online payment facilities have remained available through the official portal.
Residents have been publicly urged to clear their dues promptly to avoid legal action, public disclosure, or utility disconnections.
Meanwhile, positive trends have been recorded by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Property tax collections amounting to Rs 650 crore have been reported during the current financial year. Of this amount, 62 percent has been received through digital payment modes. A total of 1.82 lakh taxpayers have contributed to the collection, including Rs 383 crore through online transactions and Rs 267 crore through offline payments. It has been stated by Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde that the increasing adoption of digital platforms reflects growing public trust and improved transparency. At the same time, it has been clarified that strict action will continue to be pursued against defaulters who fail to respond despite repeated notices.
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