Local Concerns Grow as Construction Begins on Google’s AI Hub in India

Local Concerns Grow as Construction Begins on Google’s AI Hub in India
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Construction of Google’s new artificial intelligence data center hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has triggered concerns among local residents, activists and rights groups over land loss, environmental risks and pressure on water and electricity supplies.

The project, launched in late April, is part of Google’s planned $15 billion investment in India between 2026 and 2030. It will be the company’s first AI hub in India and its largest such facility outside the United States.

The planned data centers are located in Tarluvada, Adavivaram and Rambilli villages, covering nearly 500 acres. Activists say around 200 acres belong to Dalit families who were granted land rights decades ago and were allegedly pressured to sell their land below market value.

Former Indian power secretary and activist E.A.S. Sarma warned that the project could worsen water scarcity, as the one-gigawatt facility may consume millions of liters of water daily in a region already facing shortages. He also raised concerns over deforestation, reservoir siltation and stress on the local power grid.

The Human Rights Forum said residents have begun holding local protests and public meetings, citing a lack of transparency over land acquisition, water use, power supply and environmental safeguards.

Community representatives say local people want clearer answers from authorities and Google before the project advances further.