Data Centre – High Court Petition Challenges Endowment Land Allocation Near Visakhapatnam
Data Centre – A legal challenge has been brought before the High Court over the State government’s decision to allocate endowment land for a proposed data centre project near Visakhapatnam, raising questions about environmental safeguards and the use of temple-owned property.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted before the High Court questioning the government’s decision to allot around 160 acres of land belonging to the Simhachalam Devasthanam for a planned data centre development. The land has been assigned to M/s Vizag Hyperscale Data Centre Park Limited for establishing the project in the outskirts of Visakhapatnam. The case has drawn attention to both environmental concerns and the legal framework governing endowment properties.
Petition Questions Commercial Use of Temple Land
The petition has been filed by environmental activist and Jal Biradari National Convenor Bolisetty Satyanarayana. According to the plea, the land involved is located in Survey No. 275 of Adavivaram and Survey No. 26 of Mudasarlova and forms part of the assets owned by the Simhachalam Devasthanam. The petitioner argues that such land should not be diverted for commercial or private development and has requested judicial scrutiny of the government’s decision.
The plea further states that transferring temple-owned land for a commercial infrastructure project may not be consistent with the intended purpose of endowment properties. It urges the court to examine whether the allotment complies with the applicable legal provisions governing such land.
Environmental Concerns Raised in the PIL
Apart from the ownership issue, the petition highlights several environmental aspects linked to the proposed project. It alleges that the land allocation overlooks regulatory requirements associated with the Kambalakonda Eco-Sensitive Zone. The petition also refers to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, claiming that the applicable environmental procedures have not been adequately addressed.
According to the petitioner, the project’s location requires careful examination because of its environmental significance. The plea argues that any large-scale development in the area should undergo a detailed assessment before construction activities are permitted.
Questions Over Impact on Reservoir Catchment
Another major concern raised in the PIL relates to the proximity of the proposed project site to the catchment area of the Mudasarlova reservoir. The petitioner has expressed apprehension that construction in the region could affect the surrounding ecosystem and lead to environmental consequences if sufficient safeguards are not implemented.
The petition maintains that protecting ecologically sensitive regions is essential and that any development activity should proceed only after scientific evaluation of its possible environmental impact.
Relief Sought Before the High Court
The petitioner has requested the High Court to cancel both the land allotment made in favour of the company and the environmental clearance granted for the project. In addition, the plea seeks directions for restoring the land to the Simhachalam Devasthanam.
The PIL also asks the court to restrain authorities and project developers from undertaking any construction work until a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment is completed in accordance with the prescribed legal requirements. At present, the matter is awaiting admission before the High Court, and further proceedings are expected after the court considers the petition.