Google's $15 Billion India Data Center Project Battles Water, Wildlife Concerns

Google's ambitious $15 billion data center project in Visakhapatnam, India, is encountering significant opposition due to concerns over water scarcity and potential harm to wildlife near the Kambalakonda sanctuary. The project, backed by the government of Andhra Pradesh, under a political ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been hailed as historic and transformative.

However, activists and residents are protesting the development, arguing it will exacerbate local water shortages and disrupt the ecosystem of the nearby sanctuary home to leopards and pangolins. Google maintains that advanced air cooling systems will mitigate water usage and that the project complies with Indian law, while state officials deny diversion of residential or rural water supplies.

Despite assurances, growing opposition could pose a test for Google's largest India investment, facing legal challenges over environmental impacts. Protests have taken place in Visakhapatnam city, with activists advocating against what they call "DATA" access, and plans for door-to-door awareness campaigns and beach protests are underway.

The government claims the city has sufficient water resources, with 410 million liters daily from reservoirs and rivers, but rationing remains a concern. The High Court is set to hear a case challenging the project's impact on water availability on August 24.