Mangaluru: In a move aimed at strengthening its revenue base and improving property tax collection, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has launched a comprehensive ward-wise property survey to determine the exact number of properties within its jurisdiction. The initiative is expected to help the civic body gain a clearer picture of existing properties and address gaps in tax assessment and collection.
The first phase of the survey was formally launched by MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik in Attavar ward on Friday. The exercise follows several preparatory meetings held by MCC revenue officials, during which the modalities of conducting spot inspections and data verification were discussed in detail.
Need for accurate property data
MCC Deputy Commissioner (Revenue, in-charge) Akshatha K said the city corporation currently has 2,22,256 properties spread across 60 wards within MCC limits. However, officials believe that the actual number of properties may be higher due to new constructions, extensions, and properties that have not been properly assessed or registered in official records.
“We want a complete picture of the actual number of properties existing in each ward. Accurate data is essential for fair and efficient tax collection,” she said. According to her, the survey will help identify properties that are either under-assessed or completely outside the tax net.
Survey to be conducted by MCC teams
Unlike earlier exercises that relied on external agencies or limited inspections, the current survey will be conducted entirely by MCC’s own teams. Each team will be headed by a revenue inspector and supported by other revenue staff to ensure accountability and consistency in data collection.
“Our own officials are familiar with ground realities and ward-level issues. This will help us carry out a more reliable and transparent survey,” Akshatha K said. Spot inspections will be carried out to physically verify properties, their usage and other relevant details.
Pilot phase in three wards
In the first phase, MCC has decided to conduct a sample survey in three wards—Hampankatta, Attavar and Padavu. These wards have been selected to represent different types of localities, including commercial hubs, residential areas and mixed-use zones.
Once the survey is completed in these three wards and the findings are analysed, the MCC plans to extend the exercise to all remaining wards in a phased manner. Officials said the pilot phase would help fine-tune the methodology and address any practical challenges before scaling up the operation citywide.
Impact on revenue targets
The property survey comes at a time when MCC is making concerted efforts to improve its financial health. According to Akshatha K, the corporation has already collected ₹103.5 crore against a revenue target of ₹112 crore for the current financial year.
“Despite this progress, there are around 90,000 properties where payments are still pending or records are unclear. The survey will give us clarity on such properties and help us take appropriate follow-up action,” she said.
Officials believe that once the survey is completed, it will not only help in plugging revenue leakages but also ensure greater equity in taxation by bringing all eligible properties under the tax net.
Long-term benefits for civic administration
Civic officials said the ward-wise survey would also aid long-term urban planning and governance. Updated property data can be used for infrastructure planning, service delivery and implementation of future development projects.
Commissioner Ravichandra Naik said the exercise was part of MCC’s broader effort to modernise its revenue systems and improve transparency. “Accurate data is the foundation of good governance. This survey will help the corporation serve citizens better while ensuring financial sustainability,” he said.
Way forward
After completing the survey across all wards, MCC plans to update its property database and issue notices wherever discrepancies are found. Officials have assured that the process will be carried out systematically and that property owners will be informed at every stage.
With the ward-wise survey now underway, MCC expects to not only meet but potentially exceed its revenue targets in the coming years, while also creating a more robust and transparent property taxation system for Mangaluru.