Google’s US$15bil India data centre project battles water, wildlife concerns
Rapid data centre buildouts are facing global pushback for their heavy water and electricity use, with the impact potentially more severe in a developing nation like India.
In southern India's Andhra Pradesh, Google's $15 billion data centre project faces scrutiny over potential impacts on water supplies and wildlife. The state's government denies allegations of fast-tracking the project without considering these risks. However, environmentalists and activists are staging protests, including door-to-door campaigns and beach protests, demanding awareness and redressal.
The project, which will be developed by a partnership with Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's group, is projected to create up to 188,000 jobs. Concerns include the strain on water availability due to the data centre's cooling needs and the proximity to the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite these challenges, the Andhra Pradesh High Court is set to hear a public interest litigation challenging the project's impact, with the state asserting that it is open to feedback and will implement measures to ensure minimal environmental disruption.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
