Residents Oppose Google’s $15 Billion AI Data Center in India Over Environmental Concerns

Residents in Visakhapatnam, India, are voicing strong opposition to Google’s plan to build a $15 billion artificial intelligence data center. The facility, which will be the largest of its kind for Google outside the United States, is currently under construction on the southeast coast, where excavators are clearing land.

The project is seen by the Indian government as a key part of its technology strategy. However, many locals are worried that the data center will put a strain on water and power supplies, harm the environment, and offer too few job opportunities in return. One farmer, Chandala Sadamma, expressed her sadness over losing her land, which was once filled with mango and cashew trees.

Google has promised that the data center will create significant economic activity and jobs. They estimate it will generate about $688 million annually and support around 4,200 construction jobs, with hundreds more once the facility is operational in 2028. However, local activists argue that these benefits may not reach the wider community.

The Andhra Pradesh government has stated that it is building new housing for those displaced by the project and insists that the needs of local residents will be prioritized. Yet, concerns remain about water usage, especially as Vizag aims to become a major tech hub.

As protests continue, activists are calling for a halt to new data centers until thorough environmental assessments can be conducted. They argue that the focus should be on creating jobs in industries that require more labor rather than in high-capital sectors like data centers.

Despite the backlash, the Indian government is actively encouraging tech companies to invest in the country, offering incentives such as tax cuts. With only a small share of the world’s data center capacity, India is keen to attract more tech investments to boost its digital economy.