Congress attacks Maharashtra government for data-centre industry expansion push amid drought

As Maharashtra declares drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, the Congress party questions the push to expand the data centre industry, raising concerns about water resources. The state has attracted over $300 billion in investment for data centres and aims to reach 5.7 GW of capacity by 2032. Data centres require significant amounts of power and water, with water consumption depending on cooling technology.

The Congress media head, Pawan Khera, points out the lack of urgency in providing reclaimed water for farmers, given the high farmer suicide rates in Maharashtra. He questions who has priority for water resources - farmers or data centres and how the government plans to prevent water diversion for data centre expansion in a drought-stricken state.