Hyderabad: GHMC authorities on Thursday seized movable properties of Hotel Katriya, like cars and furniture, as it had an outstanding property tax of Rs 3.4 crore. The hotel, however, was permitted to function.
The civic authorities of Circle No. 10 executed a distress warrant and seized four cars and furniture of the hotel. The total property tax due of Hotel Katriya was Rs 3.4 crore and continuous negotiation went on between GHMC officials and the hotel management throughout the day. Finally the hotel management paid Rs 1 crore by way of three cheques and assured to pay the balance tax within a short period.
According to the GHMC officials, the hotel had ignored notices many times earlier, including in 2013. Several other five star hotels have also defaulted on property tax and the issue is being pursued on a daily bases.
Hotel Marriott at Tank Bund, has an outstanding of Rs 50 lakh for the current year. However, the GHMC authorities did not seize any property of the hotel on Thursday because of a death in the family of one of the members of the management.
Meanwhile, Nims continues to be on the top of the list of defaulters with Rs 12 crore in dues. So far, the hospital management has not paid a rupee to the GHMC toward the dues. While negotiations are on, they have remained inconclusive.
As per GHMC officials, many VIPs also feature in the defaulters’ list. Till date, out of the top 50 defaulters, 24 have cleared their dues and others have given post-dated cheques. The GHMC’s Central Zone, in the last six days, has collected Rs 4.5 crore in taxes.
“The civic officials at all levels have been given targets to pursue defaulters and recover taxes. Notices are been given as per procedure and if the letters are ignored, the properties will be seized,” said Ashok Reddy, Central Zone assistant commissioner, finance, GHMC.
