Overview
Leaders of several Left parties in Visakhapatnam have demanded that the state government withdraw its plan to set up large data centres in residential zones. They argue that the projects will harm public health, livelihoods and the environment.
Key Developments (July 23‑27, 2026)
- July 23, 2026: Joint press conference held at the CPI(M) district office. Speakers included CPI(M) district secretary M. Jaggu Naidu, CPI district secretary S.K. Rahiman, SUCI(C) district secretary K. Govindarajulu, MCPI leader G.R.M. Reddy and CPI(ML) Praja Poru district secretary K. Devasahayam.
- Leaders announced a joint visit to Tarluvada on July 27, 2026 to protest the land acquisitions.
- They called on farmers, residents and environmental activists to join the programme.
Important Facts
The protestors highlighted two major land deals:
- Approximately 260 acres have been acquired from Dalits and other farmers in Tarluvada.
- An additional 162 acres near the Mudasarlova Reservoir have been earmarked for a data centre, threatening trees, water resources and local ecology.
The leaders claim that approvals were granted without any public consultation and question the government’s promise of large‑scale employment.
Exam Relevance
This issue touches upon several GS papers:
- GS2 – Polity: Role of political parties, public participation in decision‑making, and land acquisition laws.
- GS3 – Economy: Impact of data‑centre projects on employment, regional development and infrastructure investment.
- GS4 – Environment & Ecology: Risks to water bodies, forest cover and biodiversity; importance of environmental clearances.
- GS1 – Society: Marginalisation of Dalits and the need for inclusive development.
Way Forward
For a balanced approach, the following steps are advisable:
- Conduct a transparent social‑impact assessment involving all stakeholders before any land acquisition.
- Ensure compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines and obtain clearances from the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority.
- Explore alternative sites away from ecologically sensitive zones such as the Mudasarlova Reservoir.
- Design employment schemes that guarantee local hiring and skill development for affected farmers and labourers.
- Set up a grievance redressal mechanism to address health and livelihood concerns promptly.
Adhering to these measures can help reconcile development goals with environmental sustainability and social justice, a core theme in UPSC examinations.