Advertisement
Pune Municipal Corporation has doubled its property-tax discounts for green features over the past six years from about 86,000 beneficiaries in 2019-20 to roughly 1.5 lakh now offering 5-10% relief to owners with functional solar panels and vermicomposting systems. The corporation claims surprise inspections and cancellations if installations go offline, but local activists and experts challenge the enforcement's consistency. While this incentive is part of broader efforts to promote sustainability, questions remain over actual performance and oversight. The scheme coincides with a wider push in Maharashtra municipalities for green-rated buildings through fiscal, not built-area, perks.
Pune's civic administration recently reported that the count of homeowners claiming property-tax rebates for green installations nearly doubled over the past six years. They assert that property owners installing solar energy systems and vermicomposting units are now enjoying tax relief of between 5 % and 10 %. Advertisement
The news release noted sharp growth in beneficiaries from around 86,000 in 2019-20 to 1.5 lakh in FY 2024-25 crossing the one-lakh mark as early as FY 2020-21. PMC officials emphasised that surprise inspections are conducted, and discounts are revoked if installations become non-functional. However, activists warn that on-ground monitoring remains irregular and enforcement inconsistent.
The Environment Status Report framed the scheme as a core element of Pune's sustainability drive, but critics point to weak oversight mechanisms as undermining its effectiveness. Civic areas now encompass about 12.5 lakh properties a result of multiple mergers yet tax-discount revenue still trails income from building permissions, which exceeded Rs 2,600 crore compared to Rs 2,360 crore collected from property taxes during the last fiscal.
Historically, Pune and its neighbouring PCMC have leaned toward fiscal incentives including property-tax reductions and avoided granting extra floor space ratios as green stimulus, unlike other Indian cities. Environmental watchdogs commend this, noting fiscal perks can be rescinded if performance declines, whereas built-area incentives are irreversible.
Academic research has also revealed a tangible 'green value premium' in Pune: studies show green-certified properties fetch around 5 % more in value, owing to features like rainwater harvesting, solar power, eco-bricks and natural ventilation, though access to infrastructure around these projects varies.
Further, experts highlight that broader awareness of incentives remains low, limiting adoption. Other states have turned to unified rating systems (LEED, IGBC, GRIHA) and linked incentives to actual energy performance. In contrast, Pune's model is viewed as more practical-but still needs stronger transparency and post-completion monitoring.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
