HRF Flags Risks of Google-Adani Data Center in Vizag

The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has raised serious concerns about the Andhra Pradesh government’s approval of the Google-Adani Data Center project in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts. The project is presented as a multi-billion-dollar investment that will create jobs and strengthen digital infrastructure. HRF warns, however, that it could also cause major environmental and social problems.

The one-gigawatt Data Center cluster will span three sites: 200 acres in Tarluvada, 120 acres at Adavivaram and Mudasarlova in Visakhapatnam, and 160 acres at Rambilli in Anakapalli. Sify Infinit Spaces Ltd. will build a subsea optical-fibre landing station to improve digital connectivity in the region.

Y. Rajesh, HRF Andhra Pradesh State General Secretary, highlighted the environmental risks. He said the project could worsen the water crisis and strain the power grid in a region already facing groundwater depletion and erratic rainfall. HRF also challenged claims that the facility will run entirely on renewable energy, calling them unrealistic.

The forum questioned whether locals will truly benefit from employment opportunities. Data centers are highly automated and require specialized skills. Most long-term jobs are likely to go to workers from outside the region. Construction may offer temporary work, but lasting economic gains are expected to benefit multinational shareholders more than nearby communities.

HRF also flagged concerns about land acquisition. Small landholders may have been pressured to sell their land. VS Krishna, HRF AP & TG Coordination Committee member, said, “Technological progress must be sustainable and aligned with local needs, not dictated by Big Tech.”

HRF has called on the government to pause all land acquisition and environmental approvals. They want a transparent, legally compliant review and for all project documents to be made public before work proceeds.