Sat Mar 22 14:57:30 UTC 2025: **Puducherry Municipality to Reap Revenue from Anna Salai Properties**
PUDUCHERRY, March 22, 2025 – The cash-strapped Puducherry Municipality is poised for a significant revenue boost following the government’s announcement to levy rent on buildings occupying government poramboke land along Anna Salai. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy revealed in the Assembly that the land stretching from Old Newton Theatre to Pothy’s is government property, and buildings constructed there are on land illegally occupied.
The approximately 1,2786 square meter plot, valued at an estimated ₹150 crore based on current government land rates (GLR) – with the market value potentially much higher – houses around 88 shops. The Municipality has ceased renewing trade licenses for these establishments.
The government’s claim to the land stems from a concession agreement from 1840, subsequently cancelled in 1963. While a subsequent legal challenge by the descendants of the original concessionaire resulted in a 2017 High Court ruling against the government, a Special Leave Petition has been filed in the Supreme Court to challenge this decision. Officials expressed confidence in reclaiming the land, citing historical records that identify it as “Government manai.”
The move to impose rent on the existing commercial buildings is expected to significantly improve the Municipality’s financial standing, which currently struggles to meet even staff salaries. The additional revenue is seen as crucial for strengthening the civic body’s finances.
First Piper 