Drum and shame the defaulters — this is the BMCs unique solution to collect the remaining 40 per cent of the property tax for the current fiscal, in just 40 days. The civic officials said the move is just the first step in a series of measures that needs to be taken to ensure owners of residential and commercial buildings pay up. Inspired by a successful run in Thane in 2016, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) began the campaign on Wednesday in Bandra East, and the drum beats would be heard across the city starting Thursday. The BMC has hired drummers to wake up those who have failed to pay property tax despite several reminders. The drummers would play the drums outside erring citizens homes so that the entire neighbourhood knows who havent been paying their taxes. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ramesh Pawar told mid-day that the BMC does not mean to harass the citizens, instead hopes the defaulters would pay up to avoid being shamed in public. The BMC will have to cut off water and electricity connection, seal the property and even auction it if the property tax is not paid, he said, adding that drumming is just the first step. "We had already informed the defaulters by sending letters, reminders, even visited the sites, but all in vain. Now the BMC has started the drum campaign so that the neighbours know about it," said Sangita Hasnale, assistant municipal commissioner of tax assessment and collection department. Of the 5,016 crore target for 2019-20, the BMC has so far collected only 3,087 crore. It needs to collect the remaining 1,929 crore in the next 40 days. Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

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