Environmental Groups Challenge AI Infrastructure Development Over Resource Use and Ecological Impact 
Google's planned $15 billion artificial intelligence data centre hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is facing mounting opposition from environmental activists and local residents, who warn that the massive project could worsen water shortages and threaten nearby wildlife habitats.
The proposed facility, one of Google's largest investments outside the United States, is being developed in partnership with the Adani Group and is expected to support the company's expanding AI and cloud computing operations in India.
Water Supply at the Centre of Concerns
Opponents of the project argue that the hyperscale data centre will place additional pressure on Visakhapatnam's already strained water resources.
According to local campaigners, the city currently experiences a daily water shortfall, with existing supplies falling short of demand. Environmental groups fear the facility's cooling systems could significantly increase water consumption unless alternative technologies are adopted.
In recent weeks, activists have organised demonstrations across the city, carrying banners reading "We cannot drink DATA" while urging authorities to reconsider the project's environmental implications.
Wildlife Sanctuary Also Under Scrutiny
Beyond water concerns, campaigners have questioned the project's proximity to the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, located less than one kilometre from the construction site.
Environmental organisations argue that construction activity, increased traffic and operational noise could affect wildlife, including protected species such as leopards and pangolins that inhabit the sanctuary. Public interest litigation filed before the Andhra Pradesh High Court also challenges whether sufficient environmental assessments were completed before approvals were granted.
Government Defends Project
The Andhra Pradesh government has defended the investment, describing it as a transformative economic opportunity that is expected to generate approximately 188,000 jobs while strengthening India's digital infrastructure.
State officials maintain that the project complies with environmental regulations and insist that concerns regarding water use and wildlife impacts have been overstated. However, authorities also said they remain open to engaging with communities and addressing legitimate environmental issues raised during the consultation process.
Google Responds
Google says sustainability has been incorporated into the design of the facility.
The company stated that the data centre will rely primarily on advanced air-cooling technology, reducing dependence on freshwater for cooling operations. It also said noise-reduction measures will be implemented to minimise impacts on neighbouring communities and wildlife.
Google added that the project will comply with all applicable environmental laws and forms part of its broader commitment to responsible resource management across its global data centre network.
Court Hearings Continue
Legal challenges against the project remain before the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which is expected to continue hearing the case later this month.
The dispute reflects growing global scrutiny of large AI data centres, whose rapidly expanding energy and water requirements have sparked environmental debates in several countries.
As construction continues, Google's ambitious investment is emerging as an early test of how governments and technology companies balance economic development with environmental sustainability in the age of artificial intelligence.