Activist Challenges Google Data Centre Project in Vizag Over Water, Land Concerns

Visakhapatnam has seen growing environmental concerns over a proposed Google-backed artificial intelligence data centre project, days after residents in Thane protested against a planned Amazon data centre over similar ecological issues. The ₹1.2 lakh crore project was approved by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet in October 2025 and is planned across more than 500 acres at three locations — Tarluvada, Adavivaram-Mudasarlova and Rambilli. Initially proposed with a capacity of 1 GW, the project was later expanded to 2.5 GW, making it one of the country’s largest planned data centre developments.

Environmental activist and Jal Biradari national convener Bolisetty Satyanarayana has questioned the project’s environmental approvals, water requirements and land allocation. He has written to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan seeking clarity on whether the project requires a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment and whether necessary preliminary clearances were obtained before site preparation began. Satyanarayana has also raised concerns over the large amounts of water and electricity that an AI data centre could require, particularly because parts of Visakhapatnam are already experiencing water stress.

The activist has further claimed that the proposed sites are connected to the catchment areas of important reservoirs and lie within the broader ecological zone around the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary. He alleged that construction activity has already affected the surrounding ecology. Satyanarayana has also questioned the allocation of land for the project, claiming that some portions belong to the Simhachalam temple and could not have been transferred for commercial use without following the required legal process. He said he has approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court over the issues and claimed that notices have been issued in the matter.

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The concerns in Visakhapatnam come amid wider scrutiny of the environmental footprint of India’s rapidly expanding data centre industry. In Thane, residents campaigning under the banner of “Wake Up Thanekar” have opposed a proposed Amazon Web Services facility in Balkum, citing concerns over water, electricity, the local environment and quality of life. That project is spread across 53 acres and is estimated to involve an investment of around ₹47,000 crore. In Vizag, activists are now seeking greater transparency over the Google-backed project’s environmental approvals, land allocation and resource requirements, particularly its potential demand for water and electricity, before construction progresses further.

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