Bengaluru property tax may rise as government approves waste management fee

Bengaluru residents could see an increase in their property tax burden as the Karnataka government has approved a user fee on all domestic waste generators in the city. The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) had proposed this fee in November last year, and while an official order is yet to be issued, the Urban Development Department, led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has granted its approval. The new charge is justified as a means to support waste collection and disposal services, though concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of BSWML’s waste management practices. This decision comes at a time when residents are already facing higher costs, following a recent 45-50% fare hike by Namma Metro. The user fee will be linked to property tax and will be based on the built-up area of a property, divided into six slabs. Owners of properties up to 600 sq ft will pay ₹10 per month (₹120 annually), while those with properties over 4,000 sq ft will be charged ₹400 per month (₹4,800 annually). This additional charge is expected to generate around ₹600 crore annually, with the actual revenue potentially exceeding this estimate. Additionally, bulk waste generators, such as apartment complexes and large commercial establishments, will be charged ₹12 per kg if they do not have an empaneled waste processing agency or an in-situ waste management system.

Blurb: Residents brace for higher costs as Bengaluru introduces a new waste management fee, adding to the financial burden amid rising metro fares.