Collector says Bhogapuram data centre will create jobs as farmers seek clarity

Vizianagaram district Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy has said the proposed Reliance Industries data centre at Bhogapuram would stimulate economic activity and create direct and indirect employment within a couple of years. The Collector told The Hindu that the administration would clarify local residents’ concerns before beginning the land acquisition process for the project.

His comments followed a protest by farmers at the Bhogapuram Mandal Parishad Office against the proposed acquisition. The government currently has 25 acres for the project and needs to acquire another 830 acres from private owners. The administration has offered compensation under the Land Acquisition Act.

Mr. Reddy said farmers’ interests would be protected in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. He said nearly 855 acres would be required in Polipalli and Bhogapuram, located on the eastern and western sides of the proposed site.

According to the Collector, most farmers were cooperating because they would receive what he described as decent compensation. However, some landowners had approached the court. He expressed hope that they would recognise the project’s importance and support the district administration.

Mr. Reddy also urged local residents not to be misled by people with vested interests, saying the project was intended to benefit future generations. The source material does not specify when acquisition will begin or provide details of the court proceedings.

According to sources cited in the report, Reliance Industries is expected to invest around ₹1.08 lakh crore in a gigawatt-scale artificial intelligence data centre cluster at Bhogapuram. The site is near the international airport recently built by the GMR Group.