For the first time in history, the iconic Taj Mahal has received a water bill, property tax and a warning from the Agra Municipal Corporation (AMC) in case the dues are not paid.
As confirmed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it has been asked Rs 1 crore as water tax and Rs 1.4 lakh as property tax on the Taj Mahal. The bills are for the financial year 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The Agra Municipal Corporation also asked the ASI to clear the outstanding dues within 15 days and warned that failure to do so will result in the property being “attached”.
While speaking to media, ASI’s Superintending Archaeologist (Agra circle) Raj Patel said, “A notice for water tax and one for property tax has been issued. The property tax is around Rs 1.40 lakh and the water tax is around Rs 1 crore.”
“Property tax is not applicable on monuments. We are also not liable to pay taxes for water as there is no commercial use of it. Water is used to maintain greenery within the premises. Notices related to water and property tax for the Taj Mahal have been received for the first time. It could have been sent by mistake,” he added.
Meanwhile, the AMC are investigating the matter as a private company was tasked with realising tax on the basis of GIS survey.
As per ASI officials, the Taj Mahal had been declared a protected monument in 1920 and that even during the British regime, no house or water tax had ben levied on the monument.
