The CPI and CPI(M) stepped up their resistance on Thursday to planned data centre projects around Visakhapatnam. They argued the developments would damage the environment, local water sources and public health.
CPI members protested at Pedagadili Junction in Arilova. Two leaders shaved their heads while activists formed a human chain, urging the state government to cancel approvals and land allotments for the projects.
CPI state secretariat member J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy told the crowd that the Mudasarlova data centre, approved for roughly 512 MW of power, plus sites at Tarluvada and Rambilli, would heavily strain water and electricity supplies and create heat, noise and pollution near residential areas.
Separately, the CPI(M) held a motorcycle rally and public meeting at TIC Point in Arilova. Central committee member K. Lokanadham and district secretary M. Jaggu Naidu said locating the centres near homes and the Mudasarlova reservoir would harm the ecosystem and drinking water.
The CPI(M) leaders questioned the land allotments, noting nearby residents still await house-site pattas. They also challenged government claims about jobs and called for the projects to be moved to non-residential zones.
Both parties urged the state government to reconsider the proposals and invited wider public involvement in the campaign.
