Ekološke grupe protestuju protiv predloženih data centara u Visakhapatnamu

Environmental groups and citizens gathered in Visakhapatnam on Sunday to protest proposed data centre projects, staging a rally along Beach Road. Organised by the Coalition for AI Regulation and Green Vishaka, the demonstration saw participants holding placards and demanding accountability from the Andhra Pradesh government over the planned developments. The protest followed a series of community meetings and a seminar held earlier in the week at Alluri Seetharama Raju Vignana Kendram, where activists aimed to raise awareness about the potential environmental and social impacts of the data centres. The protest was attended by members of environmental organisations and civil liberty groups from across the country. Raja Rama Mohan Roy, president of Green Vishaka, explained that the coalition had conducted field visits and compiled a fact-finding report highlighting the adverse effects of the data centres on local communities, especially Dalit farmers in Tarluvada. According to Roy, the group sought to underscore the inseparability of the environment and human well-being, arguing that the projects could disrupt livelihoods and ecological balance. Deeksha Vanguru of the Coalition for AI Regulation noted that while data centres have faced resistance in Western countries, local authorities appear more focused on economic gains than on safeguarding public welfare. She pointed out that the projects have been categorised under arbitrary classifications to expedite approval processes, bypassing necessary assessments. Protesters argued that such shortcuts undermine due process and fail to consider the long-term consequences for both people and the planet. The demonstrators called for several measures, including immediate public consultations, fair compensation for affected farmers, and full transparency regarding the projects. They insisted that an Environmental Impact Assessment and a Social Impact Assessment must be completed before any further action is taken. Activists also demanded that the state government refrain from making decisions on behalf of the people, urging instead a participatory approach that respects democratic rights. Protesters expressed concern over alleged repression of individuals who oppose the projects, claiming that voices of dissent are being silenced. They stressed the importance of preserving citizens' ability to question and challenge authority, which they view as essential to maintaining accountability. The rally concluded with a call for the projects to be suspended until all their demands are met, reflecting a broader frustration with how development initiatives are often prioritised over community concerns. The protest comes amid growing scrutiny of large-scale infrastructure projects in India, where environmental and social considerations frequently clash with economic interests. Similar protests have occurred in other regions, highlighting a national trend of grassroots activism challenging industrial expansion. As the debate continues, the outcome of this protest could influence future policies governing data centre development and environmental governance in Andhra Pradesh. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the voices of local communities are heard and that their concerns are addressed through transparent and inclusive decision-making processes.