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Human Rights Forum Slams Google-Adani Data Center Plans

10/19/2025

Summary

HRF Opposes Data Centers

The Human Rights Forum criticized the Andhra Pradesh government's approval of Google-Adani Data Centers in Visakhapatnam.
They warn the one-gigawatt facility would worsen water shortages and produce toxic waste, undermining job-growth claims.
HRF says the project prioritizes corporate interests over community welfare, with limited local employment.
It calls for halting land acquisition and a transparent review to ensure sustainable development.

Summary

Modi Announces AI Hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Google's $15 billion investment to establish India's first Artificial Intelligence Hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The project aims to position Visakhapatnam as a global center for AI and connectivity, including data centers and an international subsea gateway.
It is expected to create about 1.8 lakh jobs and advance India's digital capabilities by 2047, with collaboration between the central and state governments.

History

Historical Context

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act of 2013 bifurcated the state, creating Telangana and altering local governance. This shift prompted economic changes, including a $15 billion investment commitment from Google for a data center in Visakhapatnam. However, the Human Rights Forum's criticism reflects ongoing tensions between corporate projects and community welfare, highlighting historical conflicts over resource management in the region.

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HRF Opposes Data Centers

The Human Rights Forum criticized the Andhra Pradesh government's approval of Google-Adani Data Centers in Visakhapatnam.
They warn the one-gigawatt facility would worsen water shortages and produce toxic waste, undermining job-growth claims.
HRF says the project prioritizes corporate interests over community welfare, with limited local employment.
It calls for halting land acquisition and a transparent review to ensure sustainable development.

1 / 3