Hans News Service Visakhapatnam

VisakhapatnamMember of Parliament M Sribharat exhorted people not to get carried away by the false campaign being circulated on various social media platforms against the establishment of the proposed data centres in Visakhapatnam.

In an interaction with the media organised at GVMC here on Tuesday along with GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, the MP urged people not to believe the misinformation campaigned against data centres.

Emphasising that data centres are critical to future growth in emerging cities like Visakhapatnam, the MP stated that the false campaign circulated on social media is baseless and intended to create fear among the public.

The MP said that allegations claiming data centres would further intensify water shortage and environmental degradation in the city are nothing but irresponsible and misleading. Considering the existing water resources, Sribharat explained that with the additional water expected through the Polavaram project and the proposed desalination plants, Visakhapatnam will have abundant water stretching beyond its future requirements.

Visakhapatnam region currently receives approximately 410 MLD (million litres per day) of water supply. Even after accounting for future population growth, industrial expansion, data centres and other infrastructure requirements, the maximum projected demand is estimated at around 1,500 MLD, the MP reasoned, adding that the existing infrastructure already provides a capacity of 1,243 MLD, while the Polavaram project is expected to contribute an additional 2,110 MLD, ensuring a comfortable surplus.

Responding to concerns regarding power consumption, Sribharat stated that such criticisms are not based on facts. “Data centres represent high-technology investments that will generate substantial employment opportunities, attract significant capital investment and strengthen the state’s digital economy. With Andhra Pradesh expected to add large-scale renewable energy capacity in the coming years, there is no reason for concern regarding future power availability,” he assured.

Denying claims that data centre projects are proceeding without environmental clearances, the MP clarified that all necessary statutory approvals have been granted following comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and added that stringent environmental safeguards will be implemented wherever required.

Addressing misconceptions surrounding the involvement of Google, Adani, and Airtel in the projects, the MP explained that Google’s advanced technologies, computing capabilities and artificial intelligence services form a key part of the data centre ecosystem, while infrastructure development and operational responsibilities are being undertaken by partner organisations as part of the overall project framework.

He expressed concern that certain groups, under the guise of environmental activism, are spreading false propaganda misleading people and attempting to obstruct investments, industrial growth and employment generation in the state.

Sribharat further said both the Central and state governments are committed to transforming Visakhapatnam into one of India’s leading digital and technology hubs and projects such as data centres will serve as significant milestones in realising that vision. He called for the public’s support for the city’s growth and development and urged people to rely on facts rather than misinformation and contribute to transforming Visakhapatnam as a major technology and innovation destination.