Local Backlash Against Artificial Intelligence Data Center Projects in India
Large-scale artificial intelligence data center projects led by tech giants such as Amazon and Google in India are sparking protests from local residents over concerns that they could deplete electricity and water resources.
While Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are investing billions of dollars in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal to make India a global hub for AI infrastructure, residents in Mumbai and other regions are opposing the projects due to anxieties over water and electricity shortages as well as noise pollution.
Green Spaces Transforming into Data Centers
The disappearance of green spaces visible from a Mumbai home window, replaced by a red-earth construction site excavated for Amazon's massive facility, clearly illustrates the global tension generated by the AI boom reflected in India.
Modi's Goal and Resource Pressure
Tech giants are pouring billions of dollars into investments to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of hosting the world's data; however, this situation raises serious concerns in regions with constrained water and energy resources.
Major Threat to Water Resources
According to S&P Global data, 60% to 80% of data centers in India could face high water stress this decade, and research by Mordor Intelligence indicates that the consumption of these facilities, which used 150 billion liters of water in 2025, will more than double by 2030.
Intensifying Protests in Mumbai
While Amazon's facility near Mumbai has become one of the biggest points of contention, residents have taken to the streets, describing the project as energy vampires and demanding that it be relocated elsewhere.
Companies' Defense and Plans
Amazon and local officials argue that the project will not burden public infrastructure, noting that waterless cooling systems and a separate power source will be used, while the company is preparing community engagement plans to address residents' concerns.
Expanding Investments and Political Dimension
While Microsoft has also announced multi-billion dollar investment plans for India, Google's project in Andhra Pradesh has drawn criticism from environmentalists, and opposition lawmaker Aaditya Thackeray has called for the relocation of the projects, bringing a political dimension to the issue.