The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has launched a large-scale recovery drive against property tax defaulters, issuing notices to more than three lakh owners who have failed to clear dues over the past several years. The civic body has given defaulters a 15-day window to make payments, warning that non-compliance will invite stringent recovery measures.
According to civic officials, the defaulting properties collectively owe nearly ₹400 crore in unpaid tax. While some cases relate to dues pending from the last financial year, others stretch back over five to six years. With around six lakh registered property taxpayers across its six divisions, nearly half of NMC’s base has slipped into default.
The corporation had set a target of ₹275 crore in property tax collection for the ongoing financial year. So far, it has managed to mobilize ₹125 crore, leaving an additional ₹150 crore to be collected in the remaining six months. Last year, the civic body marginally exceeded its ₹250 crore target by collecting ₹256 crore, but officials admitted that recovery from long-pending defaulters remains a persistent challenge.
The timing of the drive is linked to Nashik’s preparations for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the country. NMC has prepared a ₹15,000 crore plan for the mega event and has submitted it to the Maharashtra government for approval. As part of this, the civic body will need to arrange its 20% share of project funding. Officials noted that higher property tax recovery is essential to meet this obligation.
Additionally, the 15th Finance Commission mandates that civic bodies demonstrate 100% achievement of property tax collection targets in order to qualify for central grants. Ensuring compliance, therefore, is not only about meeting local infrastructure needs but also about securing crucial funding support.
To encourage timely payment, NMC introduced an amnesty scheme on September 1, offering steep waivers on penalties for those clearing dues within stipulated timelines. Defaulters who settle payments before October 31 will receive up to 95% waiver on accumulated penalties. Payments made in November will attract an 85% waiver.
The civic body currently imposes a 2% monthly penalty on overdue property tax. In addition, recovery costs such as charges for notices and warrants are billed to the defaulters. Officials said the amnesty scheme is aimed at reducing resistance from taxpayers burdened by heavy penalty amounts while ensuring that the principal dues flow back into municipal coffers.
If property owners fail to respond to the notices within the 15-day deadline, NMC may initiate legal and administrative action, including attachment of properties.
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