Google's $15 billion India data center embroiled in water resource and wildlife protection controversy
Google's $15 billion data center project in India has sparked environmental controversies and legal disputes due to water resource consumption and its proximity to wildlife protection areas. Although it has received support from the local government, it faces severe challenges
Google's planned construction of a data center hub in India is progressing rapidly, with the hillside above the project site already excavated, revealing a layer of red soil and creating terraces. However, the rising opposition from environmentalists poses significant obstacles to this $15 billion project by the American tech giant.
The project is located in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, whose Chief Minister is an ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has praised the project for its historic significance and transformative impact. In response to external criticisms that the project bypassed risk assessments and was rushed into implementation, ignoring threats to water resources and wildlife, the state government has denied these claims.
However, the growing opposition may become the first test for Google's largest investment in India. The project has already faced multiple legal lawsuits, with the focus of the controversy centered on the project's impact on water resources and its proximity to a wildlife sanctuary, which is a habitat for leopards and pangolins
