States » SouthPosted at: Oct 16 2026 3:03PM


AP: Waterman Rajendra Singh urges protection of Simhachalam Lands, Visakhapatnam Hills amid data centre Concerns

Visakhapatnam, Oct 16 (UNI) Water conservationist and environmentalist Dr Rajendra Singh urged the government to protect Simhachalam’s sacred lands, Visakhapatnam’s hills and its vital water resources, expressing concern over the potential environmental impact of the proposed Data Centre project.
Dr Singh, popularly known as the ‘Waterman of India’ who offered prayers at Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, Simhachalam, near here on Thursday, appealed to the government to safeguard the region’s fragile ecosystems.
He was accompanied by Jal Biradari National Convenor and environmental activist Bolisetty Satyanarayana.
Addressing the media at the foothills of Simhachalam, Dr. Singh expressed concern over the reported allocation of Devasthanam land to private companies for the Data Centre project and called for a thorough assessment of its environmental implications.
“Development must never become a reason to destroy nature. Once our hills, forests and water systems are damaged, restoring them may be impossible,” he said, urging the authorities to act before irreversible damage occurs.
Referring to Mudasarlova Reservoir, Dr Singh recalled his efforts five to six years ago, in collaboration with the government and local communities, to improve its water retention capacity.
He expressed concern that construction activities associated with the proposed Data Centre in the catchment area could affect the natural systems sustaining the reservoir.
Stressing the importance of protecting the city’s water resources, he said not a single drop of water from Mudasarlova or Gambheeram Gedda reservoirs should be diverted for Data Centre operations at the expense of local communities, the environment and future generations.
Dr Singh also referred to the directions issued by the High Court and called for their proper implementation.
He said field-level observations had raised concerns about compliance with environmental safeguards and urged the competent authorities to inspect the site, assess the situation impartially, and take appropriate action if any violations were established.
As part of their efforts to seek official intervention, Dr Singh and Bolisetty Satyanarayana attempted to meet the Divisional Forest Officer.
In the officer’s absence, they submitted a copy of their representation addressed to the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department.
They later met I Kasi Viswanadha Raju, Chief Conservator of Forests, Visakhapatnam Circle, and apprised him of their concerns regarding the construction activities in the sensitive catchment area.
They requested him to examine the ground situation and take necessary measures to protect the hills, green cover, catchment areas and water resources.
Bolisetty Satyanarayana is scheduled to visit Amaravati to explain the environmental concerns surrounding the project and seek government intervention to prevent further damage and ensure compliance with environmental laws.
Dr. Singh emphasised that protecting the environment was a collective responsibility involving the government, public representatives, local communities, media and environmental organisations.
He called for sustained efforts to conserve Mudasarlova and other water bodies while protecting Simhachalam’s sacred lands and Visakhapatnam’s ecological heritage.
“Let development progress, but let nature live,” he said, urging the authorities to ensure that technological advancement did not compromise the natural resources essential to the city’s future.
UNI KNR RSA
Tags: #AP: Waterman Rajendra Singh urges protection of Simhachalam Lands# Visakhapatnam Hills amid data centre Concerns
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