Dec. 19: The civic body will write to all flat owners paying property tax based on the super built-up area, asking them to apply for tax reassessment, the mayor said today.

Some months ago, the civic body had announced a new method of calculating property tax based on the carpet area. But more than 90 per cent of flat owners are following the old system and paying tax based on the super built-up area.

The new system, which calculates tax based on the carpet area, will ensure lower property tax for flat owners. At present, only those who have gone for tax reassessment are enjoying the benefits of the new system.

A civic official said mayor Sovan Chatterjee appeared miffed after meeting assessment department officials today when he learnt that property tax was still being calculated on the super built-up area.

Common corridors, staircases and swimming pools are included in the super built-up area whereas the carpet area means the area within the four walls of a flat.

In the new system, the tax rate for such common areas is lower than the tax rate for carpet areas.

"An owner will now pay a higher rate of tax for the carpet area and a lower rate for common areas that are used by everyone," the civic official said.

"In the old system, the assessment department calculated the annual property tax as mentioned by the registrar of assurance. Generally, about 25 per cent of super built-up area includes such common zones."

The official said Chatterjee was peeved when he got to know that assessment department officials hadn't worked hard to make the system popular.

"It was decided that the civic body will write to all flat owners asking them how they were paying property tax. Everyone paying tax based on the super built-up area will be required to switch over to the new taxation system," the official said.

"I have asked the officials to start sending letters to all flat owners immediately. Tax payers must be brought within the ambit of the new system," Chatterjee said.

4 hurt in explosion

Four people were injured in Tiljala's Rabi Das Park area late on Sunday when a gas cylinder used for filling balloons exploded, police said.

Dilip Shaw, 40, the balloon seller, and three others aged between seven and 15, were discharged from Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital after first aid.