Google selects Visakhapatnam for its largest data center outside the U.S., sparking widespread environmental outrage in India.

Google has selected Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Southeast India, to establish what is expected to be its largest data center outside the United States, with a capacity of up to one gigawatt. This project represents a massive investment of 15 billion dollars. The initiative has received widespread official support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state authorities, but it has also sparked growing public and environmental outrage.

Widespread Environmental Concerns: Water and Energy Depletion

According to a report by Agence France-Presse, residents of the Visakhapatnam area and environmental advocates express significant concern over the potential impacts of the data center, particularly regarding its expected consumption of vast amounts of water and energy in a region already facing water shortages.

• Local residents assert that the project threatens groundwater.
• Farmers complain about the sale of agricultural land without their knowledge that it would be allocated for Google’s project.
• Activists have taken the issue to the National Green Tribunal due to the proximity of some sites to natural reserves and major groundwater layers.

One farmer, observing the excavators leveling the hills, stated:

“When I look at this land, I feel like crying.”

Google Responds: No Water for Cooling and Investment in Clean Energy

Google’s regional official, Alexander Smith, stated that the company conducted a comprehensive environmental assessment, confirming:

• The center will not use water for cooling.
• Google will cover all electricity bills.
• The company will invest in clean energy projects.
• The presence of the center will generate 688 million dollars annually for the local economy and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

India Races to Become a Global Power in Artificial Intelligence

India, which entered the data center sector late, aims to make up for lost time through substantial investments. Companies like Digital Realty and Reliance have previously announced projects worth 11 billion dollars in the same region.

The Andhra Pradesh government states it expects to create 188,000 direct and indirect jobs as part of a broader investment plan valued at 175 billion dollars.

But Residents Remain unconvinced

Despite government promises, public concern remains high, particularly regarding fears of:

• Water shortages
• Long-term environmental impacts
• Replacement of humans with artificial intelligence
• Lack of transparency in site selection

One resident remarked:

“We are told that Google will provide jobs for our children, but we do not know how this project will affect our lives.”

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