Google-Adani $15B data center gets green light amid local protests
The Andhra Pradesh government just approved a massive $15 billion Google-Adani data center campus in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli—set to be one of India's largest AI infrastructure projects.
It promises one gigawatt of AI computing power using advanced tech and renewable energy, with subsea cables in support.
However, there is a discrepancy regarding the developer of the subsea cable landing station, with some sources crediting Airtel and others crediting Sify Infinit Spaces Ltd.
The Human Rights Forum (HRF) is pushing back, saying the site's heavy water and power needs could be risky for this cyclone-prone, climate-sensitive region.
HRF's concerns highlight the need for balanced development
HRF warns the project could drain groundwater, mess with local drainage, and put extra stress on the power grid—especially since cooling these huge servers takes a ton of resources.
They also point out that, globally, data centers like this don't create many jobs for locals compared to the money spent.
While the project aims to boost India's digital future, HRF's concerns remind us that tech growth needs to go hand-in-hand with protecting the environment.