NGT Orders Response on Alleged Illegal Groundwater Extraction in Pune's Kondhwa

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Western Bench has taken a significant step in addressing environmental concerns in Pune. On Wednesday, the bench directed the Pune district collector and authorities responsible for groundwater regulation to submit their responses in a case alleging unauthorized extraction of groundwater by a Kondhwa-based private water supplier.

The tribunal's directive came in response to an application filed by Ganesh Salunke of Pune. Salunke raised serious concerns over large-scale groundwater depletion in Kondhwa Budruk, attributing it to alleged illegal commercial water supply operations. The applicant sought criminal action against the tanker operators involved.

According to the application, Rashid Gafur Kazi and Rehan Rashid Kazare are the owners of two open wells and multiple borewells located at survey number 55/4 in Kondhwa Budruk. Salunke alleged that groundwater is being extracted from these sources for commercial purposes without the necessary no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), its Maharashtra state unit, the CGWB regional director, or the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA).

The plea further claimed that the respondents own at least five water tankers and, along with other private parties, are extracting around three lakh litres of groundwater every day. This extensive extraction has led to a significant depletion of groundwater levels, adversely affecting residents and posing a serious environmental risk.

Seeking urgent intervention, Salunke urged the tribunal to direct the Pune district collector to seal the wells and borewells operating at the site, confiscate the water tankers involved in the alleged illegal activity, and initiate criminal proceedings against the parties concerned.

After hearing the submissions, the NGT bench, comprising judicial member Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member SK Bajpayee, observed that a 'substantial question of environment' was involved in the matter. The tribunal admitted the application and directed its registry to issue notices to all respondents, including the district collector and groundwater authorities.

The respondents have been given four weeks to file their replies. The matter has been listed for further consideration on February 16, 2026.

This case highlights the growing concern over the unsustainable use of groundwater resources in urban and semi-urban areas. Groundwater is a critical resource, and its over-extraction can lead to long-term environmental and social consequences, including soil subsidence, reduced water availability, and increased water pollution. The NGT's intervention is a crucial step towards ensuring the sustainable management of groundwater resources and protecting the environment for future generations.