HRF flags risks in data centre project approval

The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has demanded the immediate suspension of the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted to the proposed Hyperscale Data Centre project at Adavivaram-Mudasarlova, alleging serious deficiencies in the appraisal process and potential risks to the region’s ecology and water security.

In a statement issued on Friday, HRF described the clearance granted by the Andhra Pradesh State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) on June 10 as a “brazen injustice” and said it had ignored sustained objections raised by citizens, environmental experts and civil society organisations. The forum contended that the project site is closely linked to the catchment of the Mudasarlova reservoir, a key drinking water source for Visakhapatnam, and lies near the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary.

HRF alleged that the clearance order failed to adequately address concerns relating to drainage patterns, groundwater recharge, watershed integrity and long-term water security. It also criticised what it termed a lack of transparency in the approval process and sought full public disclosure of studies and assessments relied upon for granting the clearance.

The forum further called for an independent review of the project, a cumulative environmental impact assessment of proposed data centre projects in the region, and an inquiry into alleged pre-clearance site-development activities.