Mumbai, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Maharashtra government is taking significant steps to establish the state as India’s leading data center hub. To address health and environmental concerns, a committee has been formed under the leadership of Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
A government order issued late Monday night announced the formation of this high-level committee. It will conduct a comprehensive study of the environmental, infrastructural, and socio-economic impacts of data centers across the state. Additionally, the committee will propose strategic policy measures for improvement.
This initiative follows a “Notice of Motion” raised by members of the Maharashtra Legislative Council during the 2026 monsoon session. Concerns were expressed regarding the high demand data centers place on electricity, water, land, and existing resources. Issues such as rising temperatures, noise pollution, environmental degradation, and the impact on local residents’ daily lives were highlighted. In response, Industry Minister Uday Samant assured the Assembly that a comprehensive committee comprising experts from relevant fields would be established.
The newly formed committee includes top administrative officials, industry leaders, and technical experts. Alongside Dr. Kakodkar, members include the Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, the Principal Secretaries of Water Resources, Industry, Environment, and Climate Change, as well as executives from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited. Other notable members are experts from IIT Bombay, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, and Amazon Web Services.
The committee will invite relevant government officials and subject matter experts for discussions as needed. Its mission is to conduct an impartial, scientific, and technical evaluation of the sustainable operations of data centers. This includes assessing their impact on the environment, water, energy, air quality, noise, and local ecosystems. The committee will also aim to dispel misconceptions about data centers and study best practices for energy-efficient, green, and sustainable operations.
Moreover, the committee will recommend measures for water conservation and recycling, alternative cooling technologies, and frameworks for public awareness and engagement with local communities. It is tasked with proposing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for data centers in the state, facilitating administrative reforms between departments, and promoting local employment, skill development, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The committee is expected to submit its final report to the state government within three months from the date of the government order. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, Directorate of Services, and Directorate of Industries will provide administrative, technical, and financial support.
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