VMC cracks down on tax defaulters, imposes fines on negligent operators

Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) took action to seize assets from major property tax defaulters. However, when proceedings were initiated against a hotel in the Lahurabir area, the defaulter promptly settled the outstanding amount of Rs 6.25 lakh. Similarly, another defaulter paid Rs 4 lakh shortly after the attachment proceedings commenced.Previously, municipal commissioner Akshat Verma had directed the Varanasi Municipal Corporation to issue notices to defaulters, urging them to clear their dues or face asset attachment. The list of defaulters was also publicly disclosed in newspapers.Meanwhile, the municipal commissioner, accompanied by other officials, conducted inspections of sanitation and cleanliness in various localities, including the circuit house, police line crossing, Maqbool Alam Road, Chowkaghat, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University main road, Lahuravir crossing, Piplani Katra, Kabirchaura, Maidagin, Town Hall and shelter home, Visheshwarganj Galla Mandi, and streets of Kal Bhairav Ward.During the inspection of the community toilet near Visheshwarganj Galla Mandi, it was discovered that the electronic POS machine was nonfunctional, and the toilet was not being cleaned regularly. In response, the municipal commissioner imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the operator. Health officer Dr NP Singh, regional sanitation inspectors, and representatives of AG Enviro Company were also present during the inspection.