Gujarat government to pay Rs 147 crore for Surat flood relief
The state government will transfer funds from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the Surat Municipal Corporation to cover waived property taxes.
The Gujarat government has approved a request from the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) to cover Rs 147 crore in waived property taxes and user charges. According to The Indian Express, the funds will be transferred to the SMC as a grant from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
The relief follows creek floods in the textile hub in July, which affected 3,54,600 properties across five zones. The state government sent a letter to the SMC on Friday granting the relief.
The approved amount includes Rs 73 crore for taxes and user charges of 3,04,100 residential properties for 2026-27. An additional Rs 74 crore covers 50,500 commercial properties.
The floods impacted several areas, including Limbayat, Udhna A & B, and Varachha A&B zones, resulting in the deaths of over 30 persons. A month-long survey by the SMC identified the submerged properties.
SMC Deputy Commissioner Swati Desai told The Indian Express that this is the first time the state government has approved a proposal to waive property tax and user charges for flood-affected properties. She stated the grant will ensure the SMC does not face a financial burden.