Bengaluru: GBA to add vacant-plot cleanup costs to property tax bills

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda launched a city-wide cleanup of uncleared private vacant plots at a site in Domlur.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority has identified 189 such plots across Bengaluru’s five city corporations. Owners were initially asked to clean the plots by August 15, and the deadline was later extended to August 22. Around 30% complied, while nearly 70% did not, Gowda said.

The GBA will clear the remaining sites and add the cost to the owners’ property tax bills. Gowda said the first cleanup would not carry a penalty, but penalties prescribed under the rules would apply if the neglect recurs.

Charges will vary by plot size and follow the Schedule of Rates. Some heavily overgrown plots require earthmovers and at least three hours of work, he said.

The campaign has also cleared 1,22,732 metric tonnes of construction and demolition waste across Bengaluru.