GVMC Commissioner Mr Ketan Garg has instructed his revenue officials to focus on the collection of the various pending dues i.e. property tax, vacant land tax, and water charges—which have accumulated to crores of rupees within the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation limits.

Holding a review meeting on Wednesday at the GVMC Head Office with Additional Commissioner Mr D.V. Ramanamurthy, DC (Revenue) Mr S. Srinivasa Rao, Zonal Commissioners, and Revenue Officers he called for tax collections to be expedited and completed by November 30.

Stating that as only four months are left in the current GVMC financial year, special emphasis must be laid on collecting property tax, vacant land tax, old arrears, and water charges.

He noted that some zones have shown lower tax collections and thus directed officials to improve performance by recovering old dues as well.

Mr Garg instructed the newly appointed Revenue Officers to review their progress and ensure speedy tax collection. He emphasized the need to maintain complete information about government and private properties related to tax collection.

The Commissioner further directed that revenue inspectors must conduct daily reviews with the Ward Secretariat administrative staff and visit households within each secretariat jurisdiction to collect property and vacant land taxes.

He clarified that even in cases where court cases are pending regarding property tax, the tax collection process must continue. Similarly, in vacant plots where garbage is accumulating and cleanliness is neglected, GVMC boards should be installed.

The Commissioner warned that if property owners fail to pay taxes on time, their properties will be seized.

He instructed Zonal Commissioners to conduct daily field inspections in the wards and implement special action plans at the secretariat level, creating awareness among citizens to pay taxes promptly and avoid interest penalties.

The commissioner also directed that building constructions within secretariat limits be identified and property taxes be levied accordingly, including additional taxes on unauthorized or extended constructions.

Later, Additional Commissioner D.V. Ramanamurthy and Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) S. Srinivasa Rao instructed the newly appointed Revenue Officers to execute their assigned duties with full dedication, as the Commissioner has appointed them specifically to strengthen revenue collection.

They urged all officials to collectively play an active role in enhancing GVMC’s revenue.