Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) have escalated their protest against proposed data centre projects around Visakhapatnam, citing environmental degradation, water scarcity, and public health risks. Both parties demand the revocation of government approvals and land allocations, urging broader public participation.

Key Takeaways

  • Environmental concerns over proposed data centre projects in Vizag
  • CPI and CPI(M) call for revocation of state approvals and land allotments
  • Potential impact on local water, electricity and public health

In a coordinated move, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) have sharpened their opposition to a series of data centre projects slated for Visakhapatnam and its neighboring districts. The parties argue that the projects pose serious threats to the region’s environment, drinking‑water sources, and overall public health.

Project Overview and Immediate Concerns

The CPI staged a high‑visibility protest at Pedagadili Junction in Arilova, where two senior leaders underwent head‑tonsing and activists formed a human chain. The demonstration demanded the state government withdraw the approvals and land parcels already allotted for the data centres. Central to their argument is the Mudasarlova data centre, slated to consume roughly 512 MW of power, which they claim will strain both water and electricity supplies.

CPI(M)’s Rally and Environmental Arguments

Simultaneously, CPI(M) organized a motorcycle rally followed by a public meeting at TIC Point, Arilova. Central committee member K. Lokanadham and district secretary M. Jaggu Naidu highlighted that locating the data centres near residential zones and the Mudasarlova reservoir could disrupt local ecosystems and jeopardize drinking‑water availability. They also questioned the legitimacy of land allocations, noting that nearby residents have yet to receive house‑site pattas.

Demands and Wider Implications

Both parties are urging the Andhra Pradesh government to relocate the facilities to non‑residential areas, provide transparent employment data, and ensure genuine community consultation. They stress that any large‑scale infrastructure must undergo rigorous environmental impact assessments (EIA) to safeguard long‑term sustainability.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Visakhapatnam, a strategic industrial hub on India’s eastern coast, has a track record of contentious development projects that have led to water level drops, air pollution spikes, and displacement of local populations. The current opposition reflects a growing awareness among civil society that economic growth should not come at the expense of ecological balance, marking a pivotal moment for policy makers to reconcile development goals with environmental stewardship.