A ticking water time bomb in Mudasarlova catchment area

♦ Allotment of sites that are ecologically fragile drew sharp criticism from envinronmentalists and activists

♦ Concerns raised over reported large-scale land clearing and earthmoving activity in Mudasarlova

♦ Their concern assumes greater significance amid the city’s growing water stress

Visakhapatnam: At a time when Visakhapatnam faces growing concerns over water scarcity, concerns have been raised over reported large-scale land clearing and earthmoving activity in the Mudasarlova catchment and adjoining Simhachalam hill areas.

Environmental activist and Jal Biradari national convenor Bolisetty Satyanarayana approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court challenging the allotment of 160 acres of Simhachalam Devasthanam land in Adavivaram and Mudasarlova for the proposed data centre.

The petition raises environmental concerns, including the land’s proximity to the Mudasarlova reservoir catchment and the Kambalakonda Eco-Sensitive Zone which are ecologically fragile areas. Following the notices issued, the case remains pending in the High Court.

The allotment of sites in ecologically fragile areas drew sharp criticism from environmentalists and activists.

Given the data centre project’s swift progress, they demanded more transparency regarding the statutory permissions sought. They lamented, “At a time when every drop of water matters, can the catchment areas that help sustain the city’s water resources afford further ecological disturbance?”

This concern gains more significance amid the city’s current water stress. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation identifies the Mudasarlova Reservoir among the city’s surface-water sources and notes that Visakhapatnam’s major water sources are largely rain-fed.

Residents point out that substantial greenery removal and land levelling occurred over a relatively short period of four months.

These changes, however, need independent verification through ground inspection and relevant government permissions before any conclusion is drawn about their legality or environmental impact.

With the PIL still before the High Court, citizens are demanding greater transparency from the authorities and seeking clarification on the nature, purpose and permissions for the ongoing work carried out in the Mudasarlova–Adavivaram area.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasu Potnuru

[email protected]

Potnuru Srinivasa Rao (Vasu Potnuru) is an experienced journalist specialised in politics, sports, crime, general topics and tribal stories. With 18 years of writing and reporting expertise, he contributes to The Hans India's editorial department as Principal Correspondent based in Visakhapatnam. Vasu Potnuru completed his Bachelor of Business Management. Earlier, he worked as a staff reporter in a leading Telugu vernacular. During free time, the journalist spends time listening to music, playing cricket and shuttle badminton. Vasu Potnuru, an accomplished writer, honed his expertise in various genres such as politics, crime, sports and general topics. He received an award from the HYBIZ Media Awards for the Best Rural Story in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Also, he bagged the Best Crime Reporter Award in Visakhapatnam. He serves in different unions of working journalists and contributes to service activities.

Read More