Hyderabad: A reportedly steep escalation in property tax assessments along Rajiv Rahadari (State Highway-1) has triggered concern among property owners in the Secunderabad Cantonment area, with residents claiming that the latest triennial revision has imposed an unusually heavy financial burden amid ongoing infrastructure work.According to representations submitted by the Rajiv Rahadari Property Owners’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) to MP Eatala Rajender, owners of properties abutting the highway recently received revised property tax notices applicable from the 2024-25 financial year. The JAC has alleged that the revised demands show increases ranging from 100% to over 300% in several cases, calling these disproportionate and unprecedented.The property owners have pointed out that the timing of the revision has added to their difficulties. The alleged hike coincides with the state govt’s road-widening project and the proposed elevated corridor on Rajiv Rahadari, which has led to prolonged uncertainty over land acquisition and potential demolitions. According to the JAC, this uncertainty has adversely affected commercial activity, resulting in vacant buildings, tenants vacating premises, and a sharp fall in rental values along the stretch. In its representation, it has claimed that rental income is the primary source of livelihood for many owners, particularly senior citizens, who are said to be among the worst affected. With properties either lying vacant or yielding reduced returns, the revised tax demands have reportedly intensified financial stress for several families in the area.The issue was earlier brought to the notice of the then chief executive officer of the Cantonment Board, who had reportedly kept the matter in abeyance after considering the prevailing circumstances, the JAC said. The latest round of notices, the association said, has revived concerns and prompted fresh representations.Seeking relief, the property owners have sought Eatala Rajender’s intervention. The representation seeks suspension of the increased property tax for properties abutting Rajiv Rahadari, assurance that no retrospective demands will be enforced, continuation of the existing tax structure until the road-widening and elevated corridor projects are completed, and that clarity is provided to affected owners.As infrastructure development continues along SH-1, the alleged tax escalation has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by residents and property owners navigating the dual pressures of urban expansion and fiscal revisions. The matter is now awaiting consideration by the authorities concerned.
