Legal Challenges Emerge for Google-Adani Data Centre in Visakhapatnam's Reserve Forest
The Andhra Pradesh State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (APSEIAA) has granted environmental clearance for a data center by Google and Adani, despite significant legal and regulatory issues, including the project’s proximity to protected wildlife areas. The Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) is urged to revoke this clearance and reevaluate the project as a Category A initiative due to its environmental implications.

APSEIAA's environmental clearance for a data center by Google (via Raiden) and Adani in Anandapuram Mandal, Visakhapatnam, is under scrutiny due to 90% of the site being within the Pedda Chukka Konda Reserve Forest and 1.53 km from Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary. The 2006 EIA Notification categorizes projects near protected areas as Category A, necessitating thorough appraisal by MEFCC and the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC).
The project, known to consume significant water resources, raises concerns in a water-scarce region. Urgent review and compliance with legal standards are needed to avoid potential legal repercussions.




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