Bengaluru property taxes set to rise as Karnataka government approves waste collection fee: Report

This additional charge, linked to property tax, is expected to spark opposition from citizens already grappling with rising expenses.

Published on: Mar 13, 2025, 10:00:08 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Bengaluru residents may see a rise in property taxes as the Karnataka government has given the go-ahead to levy a user fee on all domestic waste generators in the city.

The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML), which proposed the user fee in November last year, has yet to issue an official order. (Pixabay)

According to a report by Deccan Herald, the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML), which proposed the user fee in November last year, has yet to issue an official order, the report added.

However, the Urban Development Department, under Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has approved the collection of the fee. The charge is justified on the grounds that BSWML provides waste collection and disposal services, although concerns remain over the effectiveness of its waste management practices.

This additional charge, linked to property tax, is expected to spark opposition from citizens already grappling with rising expenses. The decision follows a recent fare hike of 45-50 per cent by Namma Metro.

(Also Read: Karnataka: Belagavi man arrested for 'abusing' Panchayat officer for not speaking Marathi)

Fee details

The fee structure is based on the built-up area of a property and is divided into six slabs. Owners of buildings up to 600 sq ft will have to pay ₹10 per month ( ₹120 annually), while those with properties larger than 4,000 sq ft will be charged ₹400 per month ( ₹4,800 per year). This additional fee is likely to increase the overall property tax burden, the report further added.

BSWML estimates that the user fee could generate around ₹600 crore annually, with the actual revenue potentially exceeding this figure. Additionally, the government has permitted BSWML to charge bulk waste generators—such as apartment complexes and large commercial establishments— ₹12 per kg if they lack an empaneled waste processing agency or an in-situ waste management system.

According to the publication, despite the introduction of the new user fee, the existing Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess will remain unchanged. This cess, collected as part of property tax, is allocated for maintaining public spaces, including street sweeping and cleanliness efforts.

(Also Read: Bengaluru Court reserves judgment on Kannada actress Ranya Rao's bail plea)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.