The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to begin preparing a new Khasra of building properties after a gap of 23 years. The Khasra is a detailed record of properties used primarily for taxation and urban planning purposes. The new record is scheduled to be developed through a door-to-door survey starting January 2026. This step is expected to address long-standing inaccuracies in house tax assessments and incorporate thousands of new constructions into the municipal tax system.
Chief Tax Assessment Officer PK Mishra stated that although the Khasra is periodically updated, the last full-scale record was prepared more than two decades ago. With extensive urban development over the years and a significant increase in the number of residential and commercial structures, the old Khasra no longer reflects the city's ground reality. Mishra confirmed that a new operational plan has been finalised and the updated Khasra will likely be ready by the next calendar year.
At present, PMC has records for approximately 2.36 lakh properties spread across 80 municipal wards. However, many of these records are outdated, particularly for buildings that have undergone expansion or functional changes. Several properties continue to be taxed based on their original, smaller configurations, despite substantial additions or modifications. The upcoming survey will focus on collecting updated information including the built-up area, type of use, ownership details and recent alterations. This will allow for a comprehensive overhaul of the house tax database.
The survey will be conducted by a third-party agency appointed by PMC. Survey teams will physically visit each property, measure dimensions, and collect relevant data that will be digitised for integration into the municipal system. The revised Khasra will form the basis for calculating new property tax rates, which will more accurately reflect the actual size and usage of each building.
Officials expect the new assessment to bring a substantial increase in property tax revenue. The additional funds are intended to support civic infrastructure, improve urban services, and strengthen financial planning within the municipal framework. Moreover, an updated Khasra will also help identify unauthorised structures, address disputes over property boundaries, and enhance overall governance in the urban planning domain.
The transition to a new property database will not be without challenges. Property owners who fear higher tax liabilities may resist the process or withhold information. In several older localities, narrow lanes, dense construction and irregular layouts could pose logistical difficulties for surveyors. PMC anticipates that some property owners may challenge the findings, particularly where ownership or land use rights are under dispute.
In response, the municipal body plans to undertake a public outreach campaign to explain the purpose and benefits of the new Khasra. According to PMC officials, accurate taxation based on current usage will ultimately lead to improved services such as waste management, water supply, road maintenance and public health facilities. Moreover, clear and current property records also make it easier for citizens to obtain approvals, sell property, and resolve ownership-related issues.
Cities across India are increasingly turning to digital property records and updated surveys to modernise urban governance. In Prayagraj, this marks the first full revision of the Khasra since the early 2000s. For a city that has expanded rapidly both in population and built area, the lack of updated data has long hindered efficient tax collection and infrastructure planning.
PMC’s decision to reinitiate the Khasra preparation signals a shift toward greater transparency and data-driven administration. Once implemented, it is expected to streamline the house tax system, reduce revenue leakage, and provide a foundation for long-term urban development strategies. Local residents are encouraged to cooperate fully with the upcoming survey to ensure that property information is captured accurately and fairly.
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