Key Facts
The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has called for the immediate suspension of the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted to the proposed Hyperscale Data Centre project at Adavivaram-Mudasarlova in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The clearance was issued by the Andhra Pradesh State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) on June 10. The HRF termed the decision a 'brazen injustice' and accused the authorities of ignoring sustained objections from citizens, environmental experts, and civil society organisations.
Details of the Controversy
The project site is located in close proximity to the catchment area of the Mudasarlova reservoir, which serves as a critical drinking water source for Visakhapatnam. Additionally, the site lies near the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, raising concerns about potential ecological damage. The HRF alleges that the clearance order failed to adequately address issues related to drainage patterns, groundwater recharge, watershed integrity, and long-term water security. The forum also criticised the lack of transparency in the approval process and demanded full public disclosure of all studies and assessments used to grant the clearance.
Impact on Environment and Water Security
Environmental experts warn that the construction and operation of a hyperscale data centre could strain local water resources, as such facilities require significant amounts of water for cooling. The proximity to the Mudasarlova reservoir heightens the risk of contamination and reduced water availability for the city's residents. The Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna, could also face adverse effects from construction activities and increased human presence.
What Readers Should Know
- The HRF has called for an independent review of the project and a cumulative environmental impact assessment of all proposed data centre projects in the region.
- Allegations of pre-clearance site-development activities have been raised, prompting demands for an inquiry.
- The forum emphasises the need for transparency and public participation in environmental decision-making processes.
FAQ
Why has the Human Rights Forum demanded suspension of environmental clearance for the Google data centre?
The HRF alleges serious deficiencies in the appraisal process, potential risks to ecology and water security, and lack of transparency. The project site is near the Mudasarlova reservoir, a key drinking water source, and adjacent to Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary.
What specific concerns have been raised about the data centre project?
Concerns include impacts on drainage patterns, groundwater recharge, watershed integrity, long-term water security, and alleged pre-clearance site-development activities.
What actions has the HRF demanded?
The HRF demands immediate suspension of the environmental clearance, an independent review, a cumulative environmental impact assessment of all data centre projects in the region, and an inquiry into pre-clearance activities.
Source: www.thehindu.com