Google Data Centre Project Sparks Major Land Row in Visakhapatnam
A proposed Google data centre in Visakhapatnam has sparked a land controversy. A CPI(M) leader alleges that the project is encroaching on municipal land and a vital water reservoir catchment area without proper authorization or environmental clearances, urging an immediate inquiry by the GVMC.
Highlights
- •A Google data centre project in Visakhapatnam is facing allegations of illegal land encroachment.
- •CPI(M) leader Dr. B. Gangarao claims the project encroaches on the Mudasarlova Reservoir catchment area.
- •Construction activities reportedly violate the Water, Land and Trees Act (WALTA) and lack environmental clearances.
- •The complaint demands a probe into alleged unauthorized use of over 6 acres of municipal land.
A new Google data centre project in Visakhapatnam is currently mired in controversy following allegations of illicit land allocation and municipal property encroachment. The proposed facility, intended as a hyperscale park, is slated for construction in Mudasarlova, an area that has now become a focal point of intense local scrutiny.
While the project was facilitated by the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), concerns have surfaced regarding the legality of the land acquisition process. Specifically, while official allotments were made for land belonging to the Simhachalam Devasthanam under Survey No. 275, local representatives have highlighted that an additional seven acres—allegedly sourced from Survey Nos. 26 and 27—encroach upon the protected catchment area of the Mudasarlova Reservoir. This reservoir serves as a critical drinking water source for approximately 100,000 residents in the Arilova region.
Allegations of Encroachment and Regulatory Violations
Dr. B. Gangarao, a prominent CPI(M) leader and former corporator of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), has officially challenged the project's legitimacy. Following an inspection of the site, he filed a formal complaint with GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg. According to his report, the project developers have allegedly encroached upon an additional 6.30 acres of municipal land beyond the disputed allocations.
The allegations detail several disturbing developments at the site, including the installation of sheet-metal fencing on municipal property and the clearing of hillsides using heavy machinery. Dr. B. Gangarao further asserted that these activities involve the felling of large trees, which constitutes a clear violation of the Water, Land and Trees Act (WALTA). Furthermore, he noted that these construction efforts are proceeding without the necessary environmental clearances, potentially endangering the integrity of the local water reservoir.
The dispute also highlights procedural concerns regarding the transfer of public assets. Under the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporations Act, 1955, the transfer of municipal land requires formal council consent and specific compensation protocols, such as land-for-land agreements. Dr. B. Gangarao emphasized that the GVMC, as a constitutionally recognized local government entity, should have been a key stakeholder in any land transfer decisions. Despite bringing these concerns to light as early as March 12, no significant action has been taken by the authorities. The leader is now urging the Commissioner to initiate a comprehensive inquiry, recover the encroached municipal land, and ensure the long-term protection of the vital catchment zone.
