Concerns raised over projects proposed in eco-sensitive zones - The HinduUpdated - June 04, 2026 11:31 pm IST - VISAKHAPATNAMWater conservationist Rajendra Singh addressing a press conference in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. | Photo Credit: V. RAJUNoted water conservationist and founder of Jal Biradari Rajendra Singh on Thursday voiced concern over proposed industrial and data centre projects in ecologically sensitive areas of north Andhra Pradesh and called for stronger protection of hills, forests, wetlands and coastal ecosystems.Addressing a press conference along with environmentalist and National Convenor of Jal Biradari Bolisetty Satyanarayana ahead of World Environment Day, Mr. Singh said India must uphold the environmental commitments embodied in the 1972 Stockholm Conference and reflected in constitutional provisions such as Article 253.Describing Visakhapatnam as an ecologically sensitive region, Mr. Singh said the city was uniquely situated between the sea and forested hill ranges and that its natural assets required protection in the interests of future generations.“Visakhapatnam is an ecologically sensitive region. On one side it has the sea, and on the other, hills, forests and wildlife. If we fail to protect such regions, we are putting our common future at risk,” he said.Mr. Singh expressed concern over the degradation of wetlands, reservoirs and catchment areas, including Kondakarla Ava and Mudasarlova Reservoir, and alleged that industrial and data centre projects were being proposed in environmentally sensitive areas such as Kambalakonda, Tarluvada, Mudasarlova and agricultural lands in Bhogapuram. He also called for stricter enforcement of Coastal Regulation Zone norms and urged authorities to prioritise ecological protection.The occasion also saw the unveiling of a draft Indian Mountain Continuity and Security Act, 2026, inspired by the Jamshedpur Declaration adopted at the National Convention on Mountains and Rivers last month. The proposed legislation seeks constitutional safeguards for mountains, glaciers, watersheds and ridges as critical ecological assets.“Mountains are the source of water and repositories of indigenous knowledge. They are under threat from mining and the extraction of minerals. We need dedicated legislation to protect mountains and rivers,” Mr. Singh said.Published - June 04, 2026 10:01 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }