Google’s second-biggest data centre faces a backlash that goes far beyond AI

Campaigners in India are protesting against Google's planned AI data centre in Visakhapatnam, fearing the facility will strain local resources and bring few jobs. Excavators have already cleared forest and farmland for the $15 billion project, which will occupy 600 acres. Farmer Chandala Sadamma, whose mango and cashew trees were destroyed, expressed her sorrow at the loss of her land.

Google has promised financial compensation, new housing, and advanced air cooling technology to address water and power concerns. However, residents remain skeptical and demand a moratorium on new data centres until independent environmental and social impact assessments are conducted. The United States is also facing protests over data centres, with concerns over water usage.

Despite the economic benefits Google claims the facility will bring, some argue for greater focus on labor-intensive industries to address local employment and water scarcity issues.