Vizag youth clash with Police during beach awareness drive on Data Centres

The youngsters were seeking to create public awareness about what they described as the potential environmental and civic impact of large-scale data centres planned in and around Visakhapatnam. They raised concerns over issues including water availability, environmental pressure and the city’s existing drinking-water needs.

According to reports, police personnel intervened and attempted to stop the awareness activity, leading to a verbal confrontation between the police and the participants. The organisers questioned the police action and said citizens should be allowed to raise concerns about projects that could have an impact on the city.

The issue comes amid growing public debate in Visakhapatnam over proposed hyperscale AI data centres. Environmental groups and citizens have raised questions about their potential requirements for land, water and electricity, as well as their wider ecological impact.

The ‘Stop Vizag Data Centers’ campaign has also faced controversy on social media. Its Instagram account was reportedly restricted for users in India on September 19, with the platform citing legal requirements under India’s Information Technology Rules. Campaign representatives have alleged that the restriction was connected to their criticism of data centre projects. The specific authority behind the restriction has not been independently established in the available reports.

The latest confrontation at RK Beach has added another dimension to the ongoing debate over the proposed data centres, with campaigners demanding greater transparency and public participation in decisions concerning the projects.