High Court Advances Hearing Over Data Centres Near Kambalakonda Sanctuary
The petition submitted that any delay in hearing the matter could result in irreparable damage to public drinking water sources, natural water streams, and the surrounding ecosystem.
VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh High Court has agreed to advance the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Jal Biradari national convener Bolisetti Satyanarayana for protecting Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Mudasarlova drinking water reservoir, and the surrounding natural water streams in Visakhapatnam.
The High Court advanced the hearing to August 24 after the matter came to the bench on Monday. The case had originally been listed for hearing on September 2, 2026. However, an advancement petition had been filed on allegations that land levelling, tree felling, and other construction-related activities are continuing on the slopes of the Simhachalam hill range.
The petition submitted that any delay in hearing the matter could result in irreparable damage to public drinking water sources, natural water streams, and the surrounding ecosystem.
After considering these submissions, chief justice Lisa Gill decided to advance the hearing of the case. The court directed the government departments concerned, project proponents, and the other respondents to file their counter-affidavits before the next date of hearing. Accordingly, the matter will now be taken up before the previously scheduled date.
Satyanarayana said through this PIL, he has requested the High Court to examine several important issues, including the requirement of statutory environmental and wildlife clearances for the proposed large-scale data centre projects located in the vicinity of the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary; the protection of natural water streams; safeguarding of drinking water sources; and compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulatory procedures.
