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Vizag Data Centers Face Environmental Backlash
18 Jun
Summary
- Environmentalists criticize proposed Visakhapatnam data centers.
- Concerns raised over water, power demands, and urban heat.
- Activists demand stricter zoning, renewable energy, and audits.
Environmental concerns have been raised regarding proposed mega data centre projects in Visakhapatnam. Environmentalist Bolisetty Satyanarayana criticized these developments, disputing assurances that they pose no environmental risks. He alleged that the projects were classified as less stringent Category B2, circumventing mandatory public hearings and full Environmental Impact Assessments.
Satyanarayana highlighted significant concerns about the substantial water and power demands of these data centres. He warned that reliance on groundwater and desalination could harm marine ecosystems and affect fishermen's livelihoods. Furthermore, increased electricity consumption might strain the existing power grid. The loss of green cover and heat generated by operations could also contribute to rising urban temperatures.
Drawing parallels with large-scale data centre developments in Northern Virginia, USA, activists are calling for stringent zoning regulations, dedicated renewable energy sources, and green buffer zones. They also advocate for an independent environmental audit before the projects proceed, emphasizing the need for thorough scrutiny.
The debate questions whether these proposed data centres in Visakhapatnam will be a boon or a bane for the region's environment and communities.
