India, Jan. 23 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Western Bench on Wednesday directed the Pune district collector and authorities with groundwater regulation to submit responses in a case alleging unauthorised extraction of groundwater by a Kondhwa-based private water supplier.

The tribunal gave the instruction on an application filed by Ganesh Salunke of Pune, who raised concerns over large-scale groundwater depletion in Kondhwa Budruk due to alleged illegal commercial water supply operations. Salunke also sought criminal action against the tanker operators involved.

According to the application, respondents Rashid Gafur Kazi and Rehan Rashid Kazare are the owners of two open wells and multiple borewells located at survey number numb...