Water conservationist Rajendra Singh, known as the “Waterman of India”, on Thursday said that no water from the Mudasarlova and Gambheeram Gedda reservoirs should be used for data centres. He expressed concern over the project’s likely impact on the city’s hills and catchment.

Mr. Singh and Jal Biradari national convener Bolisetty Satyanarayana offered prayers at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam in the morning. They then met I. Kasi Viswanadha Raju, Chief Conservator of Forests, Visakhapatnam and asked him to examine the ground situation and act within his authority. As the Divisional Forest Officer was unavailable, they left a copy of a representation addressed to the Principal Secretary, Forest Department.

At a press conference in the city later in the day, Mr. Singh said land belonging to the Devasthanam had been allotted to private companies for the project. He said cutting hills and clearing vegetation could cause soil erosion and lead to a reduction in Mudasarlova’s storage capacity.

Citing the High Court’s directions and observations on responsibility for environmental damage in Writ Petition (PIL) No. 137 of 2026, he said field-level observations raised questions about compliance with safeguards. He urged the authorities to inspect the site and act against violations, if established.

Mr. Satyanarayana would also submit the representation to Deputy Chief Minister and Environment and Forests Minister Pawan Kalyan in Amaravati seeking immediate government intervention. Mr. Singh urged residents, public representatives, the media and environmental groups to act together.