Google’s proposed $15 billion data centre project in India is facing growing environmental opposition over concerns about water usage and its potential impact on nearby wildlife.
The project, planned in partnership with the Adani Group in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, is expected to become one of Google’s largest data centre developments in Asia. While the investment is seen as a major boost for India’s digital infrastructure and economy, environmental campaigners have raised concerns over its long-term sustainability.
Critics argue that the facility could place additional pressure on local water resources in a region that already experiences periodic shortages. They also warn that construction and operations could affect the nearby Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, home to several protected species.
Google has said the planned facility will incorporate modern cooling systems and other technologies aimed at reducing water consumption and minimizing environmental impact. State authorities have also defended the project, saying it complies with regulatory requirements and that environmental issues will be addressed throughout the development process.
The project reflects the growing challenge facing technology companies worldwide as demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing fuels rapid expansion of data centres, which require significant amounts of electricity and water to operate.
Legal proceedings related to the project are ongoing as environmental groups continue to seek greater scrutiny of its potential ecological impact.
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