Hubballi-Dharwad to Pioneer Karnataka’s First 3D GIS Survey for Property Tax Collection
The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) is set to become the first civic body in Karnataka to conduct a comprehensive 3D Geographic Information System (GIS) survey. This project, which is expected to begin in early March 2025, marks a significant milestone in modernising municipal property tax systems, improving tax collection, and tackling issues related to under-assessment and tax evasion.
At present, HDMC’s property tax demand note stands at a substantial ₹140 crore, which includes residential, commercial, open plots, and other properties within the municipal limits. However, the corporation has set its sights on increasing this amount to ₹400 crore through the successful implementation of the GIS survey. The survey will provide a much-needed overhaul to the existing tax assessment system by creating a more accurate and accessible database of all properties under HDMC’s jurisdiction. The 3D GIS survey will digitally map every building, structure, and property within the municipal limits. This innovative approach will help HDMC identify unassessed properties, capture accurate details of property boundaries, and ensure that tax assessments are as accurate as possible. By incorporating detailed data, such as building height, floor area, and land-use patterns, the GIS system will create an in-depth digital map that provides real-time insights for efficient tax administration.
This comprehensive digital mapping is expected to significantly reduce property tax evasion by making it easier for HDMC officials to track developments, including new buildings or alterations to existing properties. The ability to update tax records promptly will further ensure that the tax collection process remains transparent and efficient. This data-driven approach will not only help capture properties currently missing from the tax net but will also ensure that all properties are valued fairly and accurately, preventing instances of under-assessment. The GIS survey will rely on advanced mapping technology, with teams deploying sophisticated tools to capture spatial data accurately. The survey will assess various parameters, such as building height, land use, and property boundaries, all of which will be integrated into a centralised platform accessible to HDMC officials. This centralised system will streamline the tax assessment and collection process, making it more user-friendly and less prone to discrepancies.
The project, which is expected to cost ₹23 crore, will be carried out by a company with expertise in GIS surveys. Two companies, including a Dubai-based firm with experience in major cities like Varanasi, are participating in the tender process. HDMC plans to complete the survey before the onset of the monsoon season, which will help ensure that the data is accurate and up-to-date. Despite its potential, this ambitious GIS survey initiative is not without its infrastructure challenges. The vast area under HDMC’s jurisdiction, which includes densely populated urban centres as well as peripheral regions, will require substantial coordination and planning. Deploying the necessary technology, ensuring high-quality data collection, and integrating this data into a single platform will require both time and resources. Additionally, the survey process needs to address concerns related to the maintenance and scalability of the digital platform that will store and manage this data. Ensuring that the system remains operational over time and is adaptable to future developments is crucial. As the survey progresses, there may also be logistical challenges in ensuring that property owners comply with data collection efforts, which could slow down the overall progress.
The 3D GIS survey represents a major leap forward in urban governance, showcasing HDMC’s commitment to using technology to improve municipal services and ensure equitable tax collection. By addressing challenges like tax evasion, under-assessment, and unregistered properties, this project is set to make property tax administration in Hubballi-Dharwad more efficient, transparent, and reliable. As this pilot project progresses, it will not only enhance tax revenue but could also serve as a model for other cities in Karnataka and beyond. The adoption of such cutting-edge technology will ensure that HDMC remains at the forefront of urban governance, making it a pioneer in leveraging GIS technology to improve municipal infrastructure and public service delivery. Hubballi-Dharwad’s pioneering effort in launching a 3D GIS survey is a significant step towards modernising property tax systems. With the project’s emphasis on accurate data collection, transparency, and efficiency, it will set a new standard for property tax administration in Karnataka.
