The CPI and CPI(M) staged protests in Visakhapatnam on Thursday against proposed data centre projects, citing risks to water, power and public health.
The CPI held a protest at Pedagadili Junction in Arilova. Two leaders tonsured their heads while activists formed a human chain. They called on the state government to cancel approvals and land allotments for the projects.
CPI State Secretariat member J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy said the Mudasarlova data centre alone would require 512 MW of power. He added that projects planned at Tarluvada and Rambilli would strain water and electricity supplies and generate heat, noise and pollution near homes.
The CPI(M) organised a motorcycle rally and a public meeting at TIC Point in Arilova. Its leaders K. Lokanadham and M. Jaggu Naidu said the sites near the Mudasarlova reservoir would harm the local ecosystem and drinking water. They also questioned land allotments and disputed claims of employment gains, urging the projects be moved away from residential areas.
Both parties called for wider public participation in their agitation and asked the government to reconsider the proposals.