Google's $15 billion India data centre project battles water, wildlife concerns

Google’s $15 billion data centre hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is under construction, but environmentalists say it risks worsening water stress and harming wildlife near a sanctuary. The state government denies the project was rushed without assessing impacts, and says it is open to feedback. Andhra Pradesh’s top court has ordered the government to respond to allegations from Jal Biradari (Water Community), and the next hearing on the public interest litigation is set for Aug. 24. Activists and children have held protests, including “We cannot drink DATA” banners. The city receives 410 million litres daily versus 480 million needed, with water rationing common.