Why Google's $15B Indian data center project is facing opposition
What's the story
Google's ambitious $15 billion data center project in India is facing opposition from environmentalists. The tech giant is building a major data center hub in Andhra Pradesh, but concerns over water supply and wildlife impact have been raised. Activists have protested against the project, citing potential threats to local water resources and wildlife habitats.
Activism
Activists, children march in protest
Protests have erupted in Visakhapatnam, with activists and children marching against the project.
They carried banners reading "We cannot drink DATA" and painted handcuffs on the Google logo.
The founder of non-profit Green Visakha, Raja Rama Mohan Roy, emphasized at a recent public gathering that "development should not be at the cost of livelihood of the people."
He also presented data showing a gap between water supply and demand in Visakhapatnam.
Defense
Court asks state government to respond to allegations
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has asked the state government to respond to allegations from activist group Jal Biradari (Water Community), which claims the project will strain water availability by stressing a nearby reservoir.
The state government has called these concerns incorrect and misleading but is open to feedback.
Google, on its part, has said it will develop the project in compliance with applicable laws and implement "advanced air cooling to protect vital local water resources."
Wildlife impact
Project's proximity to wildlife sanctuary raises concerns
The project also faces criticism for its proximity to the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, located just 860 meters away.
The state government has assured that the site is farther away than legally required.
Google has promised to implement sound-dampening measures to ensure "we are a quiet, unobtrusive neighbor."
However, three cases have been filed at India's environmental court by the Human Rights Forum, demanding a construction halt over these concerns.