Google's $15 billion AI hub on India's east coast draws land and water concerns
Parts of the one-gigawatt hub are scheduled to be running in 2028, Google's largest outside the US.
Google and India's Adani Group are building a $15 billion AI data centre hub. The hub is in and around Visakhapatnam, a port city on India's east coast.
One farmer, Bali Narasingha Rao, says he was pressured to sell his land. Rao says he got about $25,000 for it.
The state government of Andhra Pradesh has welcomed a five-year, multi-billion dollar investment covering over 600 acres. Opponents, including some environmental and human rights advocates, argue the approvals were fast-tracked.
Some residents fear the centre will use too much water, after a drought and weak monsoon. Google says its air cooling system will limit water use mainly to restrooms and kitchens.
The state government says water will not be diverted from residential use, but some people are sceptical.
- $15 billion AI data centre hub
- Investment
- One gigawatt
- Hub capacity
- Over 600 acres across three sites
- Land covered
- About $25,000 for one acre
- Farmer's sale
Why it mattersSome nearby residents worry about water use, and opponents say approvals were fast-tracked.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, and no Australian project is named in the reporting.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
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