Now Reading: Vizag police deny rally over AI data centre fears
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Vizag police deny rally over AI data centre fears
Vizag police refused permission on Sunday for a procession planned by environmental NGO Green Visakha to highlight concerns about proposed hyperscale AI data centres. Residents gathered at the Bhagat Singh statue but…
The Story in Brief
Vizag police refused permission on Sunday for a procession planned by environmental NGO Green Visakha to highlight concerns about proposed hyperscale AI data centres. Residents gathered at the Bhagat Singh statue but were told they could not raise banners or slogans. After an hour of talks, police allowed only a group photograph before dispersing the crowd.
Circle Inspector L. Appala Naidu said protests must be held at the designated site near the Gandhi statue. Green Visakha president Raja Rama Mohan Roy said the march was meant to sensitise citizens to water scarcity, groundwater depletion, rising electricity demand, waste heat and pollution linked to such projects. The group says it will reapply for permission.
The Indian Opinion
This incident feeds two lazy narratives: that the police are stifling all dissent, and that every green group is against progress. The truth is less dramatic. The police offered an alternative protest site, which the organisers may accept. The real test is whether both sides can work within the rules, and whether the city's data centre plans include a credible environmental impact assessment. That report, not a rally, will settle the facts.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
