The commencement of the new year is set to pose challenges for property tax defaulters in Panchkula, as the municipal corporation (MC) has scheduled an extensive initiative to seal the properties of major defaulters in the city on January 1, 2024. Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, in disclosing this information, announced that the MC has organised a significant drive to seal the properties of those who have defaulted on property taxes on January 1, 2024. All defaulters have been explicitly cautioned to settle their outstanding taxes promptly; otherwise, their properties will be sealed during the large-scale operation, impacting their businesses. Despite repeated notices urging defaulters to clear their overdue property taxes, a considerable number have failed to comply, resulting in their inclusion in the list of defaulters. Mayor Goyal revealed the names of some major defaulters with property tax arrears exceeding Rs 40 lakh. Among government properties, the list includes ITBP Panchkula Sector-30, Indian Institute of Soil Water Conservation Mansa Devi Complex, ITBP Sector-29 Ramgarh, water treatment plant Sector-1, police colony Moginand Sector-30, horticulture office Sector-21, Golf Club Sector-3, Shivalik Country Club MDC Sector-1, Red Bishop Tourist Complex Sector-1, Tau Devi Lal Sports Stadium Sector-3, and Industrial Area tubewell. In the private sector, defaulters with property tax arrears surpassing Rs 40 lakh include Hotel North Park in Sector 32, Fort Ramgarh, shops 45-49 in Haripur Sector 4, and the working woman hostel in Sector 10. Mayor Goyal emphasised, If property owners settle their pending property taxes before December 31, they can avoid the sealing process. This is the final opportunity, and thereafter, all properties of defaulters will be sealed. MC Commissioner Sachin Gupta added that 'Waah Dilli' in Sector 5 had cleared Rs 14 lakh in pending taxes, and he urged others to settle their outstanding amounts before legal action is taken against them.