Google Faces Protests Over $15 Billion Visakhapatnam Data Center

Google is building a $15 billion data center hub in Visakhapatnam, India, but the project has triggered significant opposition from environmental activists and legal challenges. Groups including Green Visakha and Jal Biradari argue the facility will deplete local water supplies and endanger a nearby wildlife sanctuary inhabited by pangolins and leopards. Protesters in the city have held marches under the slogan "We cannot drink DATA."

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has denied claims that the project was fast-tracked without conducting proper risk assessments. However, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has ordered the state to defend against allegations that the data center will strain a local reservoir. The court has scheduled a further hearing on the public interest litigation for August 24.