The Public Works Department (PWD) has drilled a new borewell at the District Munsif‑cum‑Magistrate Court in Walajah town, Ranipet, to ensure an uninterrupted water supply. The move comes after a week‑long strike by lawyers, triggered by a severe water shortage that crippled court operations.

Historical Context

Walajah Court, a British‑era establishment dating back to the early 1920s, is the oldest judicial facility among the five major courts in the district, which include Ranipet, Arakkonam, Arcot and Sholinghur. In 1998, when the present court complex was rebuilt, a borewell was installed and linked to an overhead tank (OHT) with a capacity of roughly 15,000 litres. Since then, that borewell has been the primary source of water for the court.

Escalating Water Crisis

About two weeks ago, key water pipelines supplying the court were damaged, forcing the complex to rely on private tanker trucks. Groundwater depletion in the region has left the original borewell dry, and the court now requires at least 5,000 litres of water daily to serve over 200 litigants, 120 practicing advocates, and a staff of several dozen. The shortage prompted the Bar Association to halt court proceedings until a permanent solution was found.

New Borewell Details

The newly drilled borewell reaches a depth of 400 metres, a measure intended to tap a more reliable aquifer. High‑powered pump sets will be installed to draw water, ensuring a steady daily supply that meets the court’s operational needs. PWD officials confirmed that the entire installation will be completed within two days.

Impact on the Legal Community

For the predominantly agrarian and small‑business litigants from Walajah taluk, timely access to justice is crucial. The resolution of the water crisis has allowed lawyers, led by Bar Association President K. Elangovan, to resume court work, and litigants can now expect their cases to proceed without further delays.