Google is planning a $15 billion AI data center hub in Visakhapatnam, India. Local communities and rights groups are opposing the project despite government incentives to transform the coastal city into a tech hub.
The regional water supply is currently designated as under extremely high stress. Critics argue the facility will worsen severe shortages for residents who already face limited tap water access.
Google stated the project will primarily use air-cooling technology in its first phase to minimize consumption. The company has pledged to replenish more water than it consumes globally by 2030.