Google faces backlash against India data centre
Summary
Google’s planned $15 billion AI data centre in Visakhapatnam has triggered protests from residents and activists who fear water shortages, environmental damage and weak local job gains. Andhra Pradesh officials and Google say the project will bring major investment, infrastructure and employment.
Key Points
- Opposition is growing against Google’s planned AI mega-facility in Visakhapatnam, where residents fear strain on water, power and the environment.
- Farmers and activists say land acquisition has already displaced people and want an independent environmental and social impact review before more data centres are approved.
- Google says the project will create billions in local economic activity and thousands of construction jobs, while the Andhra Pradesh government is promoting it as part of its tech ambitions.
- The controversy comes as India races to attract big-tech investment in data centres, with other major projects also planned in Vizag.
