There have been concerns about projects proposed in environmentally sensitive zones

Water Conservator Rajendra Singh at a press conference in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. | Photo credit: V. RAJU

Eminent water conservationist and founder of Jal Biradari Rajendra Singh on Thursday expressed concern over proposed industrial and data center projects in ecologically sensitive areas of northern Andhra Pradesh and called for stronger protection of hills, forests, wetlands and coastal ecosystems.

Addressing a press conference along with environmentalist and national convenor Jal Biradari Bolisetty Satyanarayana ahead of World Environment Day, Mr. Singh said India must abide by the environmental commitments embodied in the 1972 Stockholm Conference and expressed in constitutional provisions such as Article 253.

Describing Visakhapatnam as an ecologically sensitive area, Mr. Singh said the city was uniquely situated between the sea and forested mountain ranges and its natural wealth required conservation for the sake of future generations.

“Visakhapatnam is an ecologically sensitive area. It has the sea on one side and hills, forests and wildlife on the other. If we fail to protect such regions, we are jeopardizing our common future,” he said.

Expressing concern over the degradation of wetlands, reservoirs and watersheds, including Kondakarla Ava and Mudasarlova reservoir, Mr. Singh said industrial and data center projects have been proposed in ecologically sensitive areas such as Kambalakonda, Tarluvada, Mudasarlova and agricultural land in Bhogapuram. He also called for stricter enforcement of coastal regulatory zone standards and urged authorities to prioritize environmental protection.

The Indian Mountain Continuity and Security Bill, 2026, inspired by the Jamshedpur Declaration adopted at the National Assembly on Mountains and Rivers last month, was also unveiled on the occasion. The proposed legislation seeks constitutional guarantees for mountains, glaciers, watersheds and ridges as critical ecological assets.

“Mountains are a source of water and a repository of indigenous knowledge. They are threatened by mining and mineral extraction. We need specialized legislation to protect mountains and rivers,” Mr Singh said.

Published – 04 Jun 2026 22:01 IST