Pune: NGT Seeks Report From District Collector On Alleged Illegal Groundwater Extraction In Kondhwa
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Pune, January 23, 2026: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Western Bench has directed the Pune district collector and groundwater regulatory authorities to submit their responses regarding allegations of unauthorised groundwater extraction by a private water supplier in Kondhwa Budruk.
The directive was issued based on an application filed by Pune resident Ganesh Salunke, who has accused certain tanker operators of extracting groundwater on a large scale for commercial use without mandatory approvals. Salunke has also demanded criminal action against the operators.
The application names Rashid Gafur Kazi and Rehan Rashid Kazare as respondents, claiming they operate two open wells and several borewells at Survey No. 55/4 in Kondhwa Budruk. It further alleges that water is being supplied commercially without securing a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), its state unit, or the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA).
According to the plea, the respondents possess at least five tankers and are extracting nearly three lakh litres of groundwater daily, leading to declining water levels and environmental risk for nearby residents.
The applicant has urged the tribunal to instruct the district administration to seal the wells and borewells, seize the tankers, and initiate criminal proceedings against those involved.
After preliminary hearings, the bench—comprising Judicial Member Dinesh Kumar Singh and Expert Member S.K. Bajpayee—observed that the matter raised significant environmental concerns. The tribunal admitted the case and issued notices to all respondents, including the district collector and groundwater authorities, seeking replies within four weeks.
The case will next be heard on February 16, 2026.
