Google’s $15 billion data centre project in India is drawing criticism and legal challenges over environmental impacts, according to multiple reports. Environmental groups and local residents say the planned hub near Visakhapatnam could strain local water resources, particularly in the face of growing demand from rapid data centre buildouts. The concerns also extend to potential effects on wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem tied to the project’s construction and operations.
Both outlets describe the wider context of heightened scrutiny of large-scale data centres internationally, given their significant electricity and water requirements. They note that opposition in India may carry additional weight because the country’s infrastructure and environmental resilience can be more vulnerable to resource pressure.
While the reports focus on allegations and concerns raised by opponents, they also reflect that Google is pursuing what it describes as a major investment in India. The current coverage centers on the dispute over environmental costs and the extent to which the project will affect water availability and biodiversity in the project area.
