Google's $15 Billion India Data Centre Is Running Into a Water Problem

Google's $15 billion AI data centre project in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, developed in partnership with Adani Group, faces mounting opposition from environmentalists.

The city currently receives around 410 million litres of water per day against a requirement of 480 million litres, and water rationing is already common in parts of it. Environmental activists argue the hyperscale data centre will add further pressure on an already strained supply. Protesters have organised marches carrying placards reading "We cannot drink DATA," pointing to the volume of water typically required to cool data centre infrastructure.

The project also faces a legal challenge over its proximity to the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, home to leopards and pangolins. A public interest litigation before the Andhra Pradesh High Court argues that heavy construction and noise — the site sits just 860 metres from the sanctuary — will disturb it.

Google's position is that the project will be developed in line with applicable laws, and that it will use advanced air cooling to protect local water resources. The Andhra Pradesh government says residential and rural drinking water will not be diverted.

Source: Emirates 24|7