On Tuesday, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) resolved to implement a 50% reduction in general tax for properties located in the red zone starting from the next financial year, which has led to protests from various housing societies. The proposal for the tax waiver received approval during the standing committee and general body meetings of the PCMC.
A senior official from the property tax department indicated that this decision, which will take effect on April 1, 2026 (for the fiscal year 2026-27), is applicable solely to property owners who have settled all outstanding dues. Shekhar Singh, the municipal commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad, informed that the civic body is currently unable to provide numerous amenities, such as schools and sports facilities, to residents in the red zone.
Therefore, the consideration of offering a concession in property tax was deemed necessary. “Residents will receive a 50% reduction on the general tax component specified in their property tax bill,” he stated.
There are over 43,000 properties situated near the Dehu Road Ordnance Depot and Dighi Magazine Depot that fall within the red zone. Officials have noted that a 2,000-yard radius around the Dehu Road Ordnance Depot and a 1,200-yard radius around the Dighi Magazine Depot are classified as red zones. Construction activities are prohibited in these areas, in accordance with the Works of Defence Act, 1903.
Avinash Shinde, the assistant municipal commissioner and head of the PCMC’s property tax department, mentioned that the waiver would also extend to non-residential properties, including industrial units operating in Talawade. There are over 3,000 industrial units located in and around Talawade that are within the red zone. While the civic body aims to recover long-overdue dues from property owners in the red zone through this initiative, housing societies have expressed strong opposition. “This is an injustice to those who consistently pay their taxes.
Additionally, we do not receive sufficient facilities from the municipal corporation despite our tax contributions,” stated Sanjeevan Sangle, chairman of the Chikhali-Moshi Pimpri Chinchwad Housing Societies Federation, following his correspondence with the municipal commissioner regarding this matter.
Sangle said offering a discount for properties in the red zone was like promoting unauthorised constructions because all these structures are illegal.
