Environmental campaigners have raised concerns that the data center could place additional pressure on an already strained water supply. According to the Andhra Pradesh government, Visakhapatnam receives about 410 million liters of water each day while demand stands at 480 million liters, leading to routine water rationing across the city.
Public opposition has become increasingly visible in recent weeks. Demonstrators in Visakhapatnam have carried signs reading, "We cannot drink DATA," while other protesters have incorporated Google's logo into campaign materials highlighting their concerns about the project.
At a recent public gathering attended by Reuters, activists discussed plans for additional awareness campaigns and future demonstrations.
"Development should not be at the cost of the livelihood of the people," Raja Rama Mohan Roy, founder of environmental organization Green Visakha, said during the event as he presented figures on the city's water availability and demand.
The legal challenge has also reached Andhra Pradesh High Court, which has directed the state government to respond to allegations that the project could increase pressure on a nearby reservoir. The court is scheduled to hear the public interest litigation again on August 24.
Additional cases have been filed before India's environmental court by the Human Rights Forum, which argues the project received approval without fully evaluating the impact of drawing water from a rural drinking-water scheme.
State officials have rejected claims that the development was rushed or that it threatens local water resources. In a statement to Reuters, the government described many of the allegations as incorrect and misleading while acknowledging the public's right to protest. "Such protests are their democratic right. In case any of these claims are legitimate, the government is committed to engaging and providing factual clarifications and suitable redressal," the state said.
Google also defended the project, stating it will comply with applicable regulations and use "advanced air cooling to protect vital local water resources."
Beyond water usage, environmental groups have questioned the site's location near Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to species including leopards and pangolins. Court filings argue that construction activity and noise could affect the protected area.
The Andhra Pradesh government said the project meets legal distance requirements from the sanctuary, while Google said it plans to implement sound-dampening measures to ensure "we are a quiet, unobtrusive neighbour."
Construction work was continuing when Reuters visited the site, with earthmoving equipment operating across the development area. The project is being built in partnership with Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's group, which is overseeing construction. Adani did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
State officials also said the nearby reservoir and water supplies intended for residential or rural use will not serve the planned data centers.
Despite those assurances, environmental groups remain skeptical. Green Visakha has questioned the government's commitment to provide the project with guaranteed water supplies for 20 years while the city continues to experience shortages.
"Who will be the sufferers? The people," Roy said.
This analysis is based on reporting from The Express Tribune.
Image courtesy of Reuters.
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and quality.
