GVCF Flags Data Centre, Coal Dust Concerns
The Greater Visakhapatnam Citizens’ Forum (GVCF) has stressed the need for strict compliance with environmental regulations in the proposed hyperscale data centre project near Adavivaram and Mudasarlova, while also calling for immediate action to curb coal dust pollution in the city.
The concerns were raised during a knowledge session organised by the forum at the Visakhapatnam Public Library on Tuesday, where environmental experts, civil society representatives, and citizens discussed the ecological impact of large infrastructure projects and industrial pollution.
Addressing the gathering, V.S. Krishna of the Human Rights Forum (HRF) said the proposed 160-acre data centre site lies close to the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone. While welcoming investments that generate employment and contribute to economic growth, HRF and GVCF maintained that development projects must adhere strictly to environmental norms.
The organisations alleged that a fact-finding team which visited the site on May 18 observed activities such as tree felling, land levelling and road laying. They also expressed concern over the project’s proximity to the Mudasarlova reservoir, a major drinking water source for Visakhapatnam, and sought greater transparency regarding the project’s water requirements and environmental safeguards.
The second session focused on coal dust pollution, a long-standing issue affecting several areas of the port city. GVCF secretary Capt. N. Viswanathan said the handling of large volumes of coal at Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports continues to impact air quality.
He highlighted the potential of a dust-suppression technology known as veneering. The forum noted that trials conducted by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority had yielded encouraging results.
According to GVCF, the matter has been taken up before the National Green Tribunal and broader implementation of the technology awaits regulatory approval. The forum stated that clearance from the Central Pollution Control Board is the final requirement before large-scale adoption.
The forum also recommended measures including mechanical road sweepers, fog cannons, wind barriers, tyre-wash systems, covered conveyor belts and enclosed coal storage facilities to reduce dust emissions.
GVCF president Sohan Hatangadi urged authorities to expedite pollution-control measures and ensure transparency in environmental decision-making, stating that sustainable development must remain a priority in Visakhapatnam’s growth trajectory.