Why are residents against data centers in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra?

Members of environmental organizations and civic groups hold placards during a protest against proposed data center projects in and around Visakhapatnam, organized by the Coalition for Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Green Visakha, along Beach Road on July 19, 2026. | Photo credit: V. Raju

Story so far: This week people in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra took to the streets against proposed mega data center projects in the States.

In Andhra Pradesh, after the government allotted about 601 acres of land in three parcels at three locations in Visakhapatnam and neighboring Anakapalli district, Raiden Infotech India Pvt. Ltd. – Google – has started development of a 1GW AI data center with Adani Infra/AdaniConneX as the announced development partner.

Published – 25 Jul 2026 09:53 IST