The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, took note of concerns surrounding the allotment of temple lands located in an Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for a hyperscale data centre being developed by Google in the Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts. The hearing witnessed intense arguments over the legality of the land allotment as well as its potential environmental implications.

The case was heard on a writ petition filed by Jal Biradari National Convener Bolisetty Satyanarayana. During the proceedings, concerns were raised about the environmental impact of the proposed data centre and the large quantities of resources it would require. The petitioner’s side particularly highlighted the anticipated demand for huge quantities of water and electricity associated with the project.

Chief Justice Dhirubhai Naranbhai Patel Gill, while referring to the details of the case, said the competing claims regarding the duration and nature of the land lease required close scrutiny. The petitioner has claimed that the land in question was leased out for 30 years, while the counter claim states that the allotment was initially made on a lease basis for only 11 years.

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The difference between the two claims regarding the lease period became a significant point during the hearing. The court indicated that the issue needed to be examined carefully before conclusions could be reached. The nature of the allotment and the terms under which the temple lands were made available are therefore central to the legal challenge.

The location of the proposed data centre in an Eco Sensitive Zone has also brought environmental considerations into the proceedings. Apart from questions concerning the land allotment, the court heard arguments relating to the potential requirement of substantial water and electricity for the facility. These concerns have added an environmental dimension to the dispute over the project.

The High Court’s observations came as it considered the various claims surrounding the allotment of the temple lands and the proposed development. The proceedings have not resulted in a final determination on the legality of the allotment or the environmental concerns raised by the petitioner. The court is expected to examine the competing claims and relevant details of the land arrangement as the case progresses.

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