Alphabet’s Google is defending its $15 billion AI data hub in Visakhapatnam, India, as local communities and environmental activists protest. They warn the facility could strain scarce water supplies and the regional power grid in a city that already faces water rationing.
Protesters have held signs reading “We cannot drink DATA.” Activists have also filed legal challenges questioning the project’s environmental clearances. The site is near the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, adding to ecological concerns.
Google says the facility, its largest outside the U.S., will use advanced air-cooling technology to minimize water consumption. The company has also pledged to be a “good neighbour.” The project is a joint venture with the Adani Group and is slated to become operational in 2028.