Water scarcity, land protests cast shadow over Bengaluru's AI ambitions
Residents in Bengaluru's Electronic City say nearby data centres are adding to pressure on local water supplies, while farmers outside the city oppose plans to acquire land for a township that would include AI-related industries.
Bengaluru, the technology hub of Karnataka, India, is experiencing water scarcity and land protests as its AI infrastructure expands. The city currently has 31 operational data centers and more are planned. Residents in Bengaluru's Electronic City complain that nearby data centers strain the local water supply, relying on private tankers as they lack connection to the city's piped water.
IT executive Pranay Dubey stated that nearly 150 housing estates in the area use these tankers due to a lack of piped water. Farmers outside Bengaluru also oppose a proposed township for AI-related industries, fearing loss of their agricultural land. The Karnataka government acknowledged the resource demands of data centers and is exploring sustainable solutions like treated wastewater, liquid cooling technology, and renewable energy.
However, the government's proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township, which would set aside over 800 hectares of agricultural land near Bidadi, southwest of Bengaluru, has met with resistance from farmers. Despite the opposition, the government issued a final notification in June to acquire about 210 hectares for the project, but assured farmers their land would not be taken by force. The government has appointed a committee to review the project amid public concerns.
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