For the first time, the Agra Municipal Corporation has sent a notice to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) asking it to pay Rs 1.9 crore as water tax and Rs 1.5 lakh as property tax on the Taj Mahal, a protected monument. The bills are for the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The ASI has been asked to pay the dues within 15 days, otherwise, the property (Taj Mahal) will be “attached” if the tax is not cleared within the stipulated time.
ASI Superintending Archaeologist Raj Kumar Patel said, “Property tax is not applicable on the monument. We are also not liable to pay tax on the water as it has no commercial use. The water is used to maintain greenery within the premises. Water-related notifications and property tax on the Taj Mahal are for the first time. Maybe it has been sent in error.”
Municipal commissioner Nikhil T Funde said, “I am not aware of any tax-related proceedings related to the Taj Mahal. The new notice is being issued based on the state-wide Geographical Information System (GIS) survey conducted for tax calculation. Dues on government buildings and religious places, including all premises. Due notice issued. Rebates are issued following due process of law. In case of notices issued to ASI, necessary action will be taken based on the feedback received from them.”
Sarita Singh, assistant municipal commissioner and in-charge of Tajganj zone, said, “The matter related to the notice issued for water and property tax in Taj Mahal is being investigated. A private company has been given the task of tax collection on the basis of a GIS survey.”
ASI officials said the Taj Mahal was declared a protected monument in 1920 and no house or water tax was levied on the monument even during British rule.
