Google Data Centre Sparks Land Row As CPM Leader Alleges Illegal Allocation
According to Gangarao, sheet-metal fencing has been erected on municipal land.
Visakhapatnam: The state government’s decision to facilitate a hyperscale data centre park for Google at Mudasarlova in Visakhapatnam has triggered a controversy, with a CPI(M) leader alleging illegal land allocation and encroachment of municipal land.
The project, located in Adavivaram village under the jurisdiction of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), was facilitated through the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC). While land belonging to the Simhachalam Devasthanam under Survey No. 275 was officially allotted, concerns have been raised over an additional seven acres allegedly taken from Survey Nos. 26 and 27, which fall within the catchment area of the GVMC-owned Mudasarlova Reservoir.
Dr B. Gangarao, CPI(M) leader and former corporator of GVMC’s 78th Ward, inspected the site and submitted a complaint to GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg. He alleged that, apart from the disputed allocation, another 6.30 acres of GVMC land had been encroached upon for the project.
According to Gangarao, sheet-metal fencing has been erected on municipal land, hillsides are being levelled using bulldozers and large trees are being felled in violation of the Water, Land and Trees Act (WALTA). He alleged that the works were being carried out without environmental clearances and could damage the reservoir’s catchment area, affecting the drinking water source for nearly one lakh residents of Arilova.
In his complaint, Gangarao stated that the GVMC, as a constitutionally recognised local government body, cannot have its land transferred without the approval of the municipal council. He referred to provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporations Act, 1955, which require council consent and land-for-land compensation in the event of any transfer.
Gangarao said he had raised the issue in writing on March 12 but no action had been taken. He urged the Commissioner to conduct an inquiry, recover the allegedly encroached and illegally allotted land, and protect the reservoir’s catchment area.
