Bhubaneswar: The Congress has opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Jatani in Odisha’s Khordha district, alleging that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data centre to be inaugurated by the PM will put enormous pressure on freshwater resources and adversely affect farmers in the region.

At a press conference held at Congress Bhavan in Bhubaneswar today, Congress leader Panchanan Kanungo and party spokesperson Sonali Sahu questioned the state government’s decision to approve the project. They demanded answers on its environmental impact, water requirements and employment opportunities for local youth.

The Congress alleged that the data centre would require around two crore litres of water every day, raising concerns over the availability of freshwater for agriculture and other local needs.

Questioning the potential impact of the project, Congress claimed that the daily requirement of two crore litres of water could put Khordha’s freshwater resources under severe stress.

Why did Odisha approve the project, asks Congress

The Congress also questioned why the Odisha government approved the data centre when, according to the party, the Andhra Pradesh government had declined to host the project.

The party demanded that the state government should explain the benefits Odisha would receive from the facility and disclose the expected number of jobs for Odia youths.

“How many Odia young men and women will get employment at the data centre?” the Congress asked, seeking details of the project's employment potential.

Farmers' livelihoods at stake, says Congress

The opposition party expressed concern that the large-scale use of freshwater could affect agricultural activities and worsen the condition of farmers in Khordha district.

Accusing the government of ignoring the possible consequences for local communities, Congress leaders asked why the state would risk turning Khordha into a desert by allowing such a project.

The Congress called on the government to clarify the project's water requirements, its impact on local resources, the expected employment benefits and the safeguards planned to protect farmers.