Concerns raised over projects proposed in eco-sensitive zones

Key points

• Noted 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 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...