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The Residents' welfare associations in Chennai, represented by the Alliance of the Residents' Welfare Associations (AoRWA), are protesting a recent 6% property tax hike passed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). In their second annual general meeting, the AoRWA called for an improved civic infrastructure, including water and sewer connections, before any tax increases. The group previously challenged the 2022 tax revision, citing inadequate facilities. The AoRWA also demanded monthly electricity billing, preservation of the waterbodies and educational zones, and opposed an eco-park in Perungudi. They advocated separate areas for dogs and cattle, and restoration of 139 waterbodies in Chennai.
In Chennai, the Alliance of Residents' Welfare Associations (AoRWA), representing 425 Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs), has voiced strong opposition to the recent 6% property tax hike implemented by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). The residents argue that the government should prioritise addressing the city's lacking civic infrastructure before introducing any tax increases. At their second annual general body meeting, AoRWA passed ten resolutions aimed at improving civic amenities and halting the tax proposal until these needs are met. J M S Nagarjunan, AoRWA's general secretary, emphasised that essential services like water and sewer connections must be provided before residents are burdened with higher taxes. Advertisement
AoRWA's opposition to the tax hike builds on their previous challenges to a much larger tax revision introduced in 2022, where property tax rates were increased by 50% to 150%. This earlier hike was contested in the high court by various RWAs, who argued that the revised taxes were unjustified given the poor state of civic infrastructure, including substandard roads, inefficient stormwater drainage systems, and a lack of water and sewer connectivity. Despite these legal challenges, the GCC proceeded with the recent 6% increase, further fueling frustration among the residents.
The alliance also raised concerns about the financial difficulties many residents face, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. They called for a shift from bi-monthly electricity billing to monthly billing to alleviate financial strain on households.
In addition to their demands on property taxes and utility billing, AoRWA addressed broader environmental and planning issues in the city. One resolution urged the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to protect waterbodies, catchment areas, forests, and educational zones from reclassification for other land uses. The residents stressed the importance of safeguarding these zones, which are crucial for the city's ecological balance, particularly as urban expansion threatens their preservation.
As part of their environmental focus, AoRWA advocated for the restoration of 139 waterbodies across Chennai, which they believe would help address the city's water crisis. Moreover, the group expressed concern over the Ramsar-listed Pallikaranai marshland, a protected area of international importance, and opposed the proposed eco-park on the reclaimed Perungudi dump yard. They warned that the development could harm the marshland's fragile ecosystem.
Additionally, AoRWA called for the designation of separate areas for stray dogs and cattle away from densely populated neighbourhoods, suggesting that this would create a safer and more hygienic environment for both residents and animals. They also recommended ensuring regular feeding for these animals to prevent them from foraging in residential areas.
The ten resolutions passed during the meeting reflect AoRWA's comprehensive approach to addressing the civic, environmental, and infrastructural issues faced by Chennai's residents. Their demands highlight the urgent need for the state government to improve basic services before implementing further tax hikes.
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25th May, 2023
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27th Apr, 2023
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