Visakhapatnam: Google's proposed $15 billion (around ₹1.3 lakh crore) data centre project in Andhra Pradesh has triggered mounting protests, with environmental groups and local residents warning that the mega investment could deepen the region's water crisis and threaten a nearby wildlife sanctuary.
Being developed in partnership with the Adani Group, the project is progressing rapidly after large sections of a hill were levelled for construction. The Andhra Pradesh government has hailed it as one of the state's biggest investment projects, promising major economic growth and an estimated 1.88 lakh direct and indirect jobs.
Opposition, however, has intensified over concerns that Visakhapatnam, already facing a daily drinking water shortage of around 70 million litres, cannot sustain the enormous water demand of a massive data centre. Activists argue that diverting water for server cooling could worsen the city's existing scarcity.
The project site is located about 860 metres from the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, raising fears that construction activity, traffic, noise and light pollution could disrupt the habitat of wildlife and bird species.
Students, environmental activists and local residents have staged demonstrations across the city, carrying banners declaring that people cannot survive on data instead of water. Campaigns led by Green Visakha are set to continue alongside beach protests and public awareness drives.
While the state government insists all statutory approvals were obtained and says it is willing to address genuine concerns, legal challenges have already reached the National Green Tribunal and the High Court. Google has said it plans to minimise environmental impact through advanced water-efficient cooling systems, energy-efficient technology and noise-control measures.