Mumbai, August 19: The Andhra Pradesh government has responded to concerns regarding the establishment of a data center in Visakhapatnam. Minister Nara Lokesh addressed these issues in the assembly on Wednesday, stating that misinformation about water and environmental impacts is being spread.
In response to a question from Janasena MLA Lokam Naga Madhavi, Lokesh noted that following Google’s investment announcement in Visakhapatnam, other IT companies are also showing interest in the city.
The minister emphasized that data centers are essential for today’s digital and AI-driven economy. They are also crucial for the country’s data sovereignty, especially given the current geopolitical climate.
He explained that when the proposed data center ecosystem reaches a capacity of 6.5 gigawatts, it will require approximately 3 TMC of water annually, according to existing technology. However, he assured that new cooling technologies will further reduce water consumption.
Nara Lokesh clarified that the water for the data center will not be sourced from the city’s supply. Instead, it will utilize water from the industrial quota provided by the Polavaram project.
He stated that the government is committed to meeting Visakhapatnam’s urban water needs through gravity-based supply within the next 18 months. A separate pipeline will be laid for the data center.
In comparison, Lokesh pointed out that a 1-gigawatt thermal power plant consumes nearly ten times more water annually than a data center. He questioned why only data centers are facing scrutiny over water usage.
The minister mentioned that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has set a limit of 6.5 gigawatts for data centers, a target that has now been achieved. The government will prioritize companies that demonstrate environmental responsibility. Data centers are being established in areas like Adavivaram-Mudasarlova, Tarluwada, and Rambilli in Visakhapatnam.
However, civic groups are opposing the project, arguing that it will increase pressure on resources like water and electricity and impact the environment. They have cited the ongoing super El Niño weather patterns in the state as a reason for their opposition.
The CPI and CPI(M) are also protesting against the data center project near Visakhapatnam, claiming it will adversely affect the environment, drinking water sources, and public health.
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