LUCKNOW: The introduction of a waste collection fee tied directly to property house tax IDs by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has faced backlash from residents, citing inconsistencies in service delivery across the city.
The new monthly fees are set at Rs 50 for properties with an annual tax up to Rs 5,000 and Rs 100 for those exceeding it, now mandated citywide, regardless of service accessibility.
While LMC is offering a 10% discount for advance online payments, unpaid fees will be added to the property tax bill, leading to further dissatisfaction.
Residents from Manas Vihar, Suggamau, Takrohi, Chinhat, Faizullaganj, Pandit Kheda, Sarojininagar, and Kesari Kheda, as well as areas like Mahanagar, Gomtinagar, and Rajajipuram, have expressed concerns over irregular garbage collection, stating they already pay between Rs 100-200 monthly to private waste collectors. They fear that they will have to pay both private collectors and LMC.
Ajay Singh, a resident of Dewa Road, Chinhat, remarked, “Garbage collection is sporadic. LMC workers only come every two to three days.”
Vijay Kumar from Sarojininagar added, “No one from LMC collects waste from our homes. Now, we learn that the user charge will be included in the tax, which is unacceptable.”
Resident Vishwas Awasthi from Aashiana stressed, “LMC must ensure regular garbage collection before adding user charges to property taxes.”
Councilor Mukesh Singh Chauhan stated, “The user charge should only be enforced once the garbage collection system is adequately improved.” Fellow councilor Kamran Baig agreed, saying, “In neighborhoods where private vendors handle waste, LMC should not impose user charges.”
LMC officials claimed that linking the fee to house tax IDs aims to enhance transparency and fund improved waste management. They acknowledged the existing implementation gaps but emphasized that this change is crucial for long-term enhancements.
