The CPI and CPI(M) on Thursday intensified their opposition to the proposed data centre projects in and around Visakhapatnam, alleging that the projects would adversely affect the environment, drinking water sources and public health.

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

Addressing the gathering, CPI State secretariat member J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy alleged that the proposed Mudasarlova data centre, with a sanctioned power requirement of about 512 MW, and the projects planned at Tarluvada and Rambilli would place enormous pressure on water and electricity resources besides causing heat, noise and pollution in nearby residential localities.

Separately, the CPI(M) organised 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 alleged that locating the data centres close to residential areas and the Mudasarlova reservoir would adversely affect the local ecosystem and drinking water supply.

The CPI(M) leaders questioned the allotment of land for the projects, alleging that residents of nearby localities were yet to receive house-site pattas. They also disputed the government’s claims on employment generation and urged that the projects 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.