The Government of Karnataka has announced a major reform drive to strengthen municipal finances by introducing advanced 3D drone technology to survey properties across urban local bodies, including Belagavi.
The move is aimed at identifying property tax evasion, incomplete records and underreported buildings that have affected civic revenues for years.
Drones to map homes and commercial buildings
Under the new initiative, residential and commercial properties will be surveyed using drones for accurate mapping and assessment. Officials said the technology will help detect unauthorised structures and ensure fair valuation for taxation.
Authorities believe this will create greater transparency and bring more properties into the tax system.
Women’s groups to help collect tax
In a community-based step, women’s self-help groups will also be engaged in collecting property tax. These groups will receive a 5 per cent incentive on collections.
The government expects this to improve efficiency while creating income opportunities for local women’s groups.
Registration offices to be linked online
A new automated system is also being planned to connect property registration offices with municipal bodies. Whenever a new property is registered, the concerned civic body will receive immediate notification.
This is expected to reduce the chances of newly registered properties escaping the tax net.
Water meters and new revenue sources planned
The state is also exploring additional revenue streams such as professional tax, advertisement fees, parking charges, sanitation fees and a share in GST revenue.
Further reforms include making water meters compulsory for all connections. At present, many urban local bodies reportedly have less than 50 per cent metered coverage.
Better services expected
Officials said the reforms are expected to reduce revenue leakages and improve the financial health of civic bodies, helping deliver better roads, sanitation and public services.