Mysore/Mysuru: Former MLA Vasu has urged the State Government to give tax rebate for the vacant space in the surrounding of houses which is left for ventilation.

In a letter to Urban Development Minister Byrathi Basavaraj, the former MLA said, it has been a tradition to leave vacant space on all sides of houses built 40 to 50 years ago. Trees are planted on that space for fresh air. Now, the decision of the Government to impose tax on the vacant space measuring more than 1,000 square feet was anti-environment. It is not right on the part of the Government to impose tax on the vacant spaces in religious centres, educational institutions and hostels. This new Act must be re-visited in the interest of people, he added.

He wanted the Minister to review the amendment made to the KMC Act as well as the circular issued by Department of Municipal Administration on Feb. 19, 2021 regarding leaving certain space as setback to ensure good ventilation between houses.