Amarnath questions government’s preparedness for Data Centre projects

Former minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Gudivada Amarnath on Sunday questioned the Andhra Pradesh government’s preparedness to facilitate large-scale investments in Data Centres, particularly in Visakhapatnam, and raised concerns over water availability, power supply and the environmental impact of the proposed projects.

Addressing a press conference at the YSRCP office, Mr Amarnath said his party had initially welcomed the proposal to establish Data Centres in the State. However, he alleged that the NDA government had failed to chalk out a clear plan to meet the massive infrastructure requirements of such facilities.

He said the State government had issued government orders and announced incentives for Data Centres with a cumulative capacity of up to 10 GW across Andhra Pradesh, including the proposed facility in Visakhapatnam.

“How will the government provide water to these Data Centres? How will it ensure uninterrupted power supply? How will it address environmental concerns?” he asked.

Mr Amarnath also questioned the government’s proposal to bring Polavaram water to Visakhapatnam to meet the requirements of industries, including Data Centres.

Referring to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s recent visit to Anakapalli, the YSRCP leader termed it a “flop show” and alleged that the event appeared to have been managed.

He said farmers in rural areas had expected the Chief Minister to address issues related to agriculture and their livelihoods. However, he alleged that Mr Naidu had failed to respond to their concerns.

On the agricultural situation in Anakapalli district, Mr Amarnath demanded that the government declare the district drought-hit. He alleged that farmers had so far achieved less than 10 per cent of the expected agricultural production amid warnings of deficient rainfall this year.