Left parties step up opposition to proposed data centre projects in Vizag

CPI and CPI(M) on Thursday intensified their opposition to proposed data center projects in and around Visakhapatnam, claiming that the projects will adversely affect the environment, drinking water resources and public health.

CPI held a protest at Pedagadili Junction in Arilova, where two party leaders shaved their heads and activists formed a human chain, demanding that the State government cancel approvals and land allotments for proposed projects.

Speaking at the meeting, CPI State secretariat member J V Satyanarayana Murthy claimed that the proposed Mudasarlova data centre, with an approved power requirement of around 512 MW, and the planned projects in Tarluvada and Rambilli will create huge pressure on water and electricity resources, besides causing heat, noise and pollution in nearby settlements.

Separately, CPI(M) held a motorcycle rally followed by a public meeting at TIC Point in Arilova. CPI(M) central committee member K. Lokanadham and district secretary M. Jaggu Naidu claimed that locating data centers close to residential areas and Mudasarlova reservoir will adversely affect the local ecosystem and drinking water supply.

CPI(M) leaders have questioned the allocation of land for the projects, claiming that residents of nearby areas are yet to get homegrown potatoes. They also challenged the government’s job creation claims and called for projects to be shifted to non-residential areas.

Both parties demanded that the State government reconsider the proposed projects and called for wider public participation in the agitation.