Data Center Expansion in India Poses Risks to Local Communities

The rapid rise of data centers in India, a sign of the nation’s digital evolution, is stirring concerns about the displacement of local communities. Osama Manzar, founder of the Digital Empowerment Foundation, highlights a troubling trend as more than 70% of the Indian population gains online access, while the needs and rights of those displaced by industrial growth are often overlooked.

Manzar, who has been a proponent of digital inclusivity since establishing his nonprofit in 2002, warns that the expansion of data centers could lead to significant environmental and social issues. He expresses concern that these facilities will consume water equivalent to the annual domestic needs of 1.3 billion people and require electricity for 650 million by 2030. He poses critical questions about the motivations behind such development, urging for community consultation and transparency.

In contrast to movements in the U.S. advocating for restrictions on data centers, Manzar argues that the Indian government views these initiatives as purely developmental without adequately involving local stakeholders. He stresses the necessity for companies to engage with communities whose land is being taken for these projects. Promises of job creation are often hollow, as automation technologies may replace traditional jobs.

Protests are emerging, particularly in Visakhapatnam, where Google plans a data center. Manzar points out that the government’s lack of engagement with locals leads to confusion and resistance once construction begins. Many residents are unaware of what a data center entails until it disrupts their neighborhoods.

Manzar critiques the unfairness of data centers being prioritized over local needs and suggests that developing countries should not become mere data waste centers for the elite. He advocates for decentralized models where data centers serve local purposes, such as agriculture and governance, rather than being controlled by distant corporate interests.

He reflects on the land disputes in Telangana where Microsoft is establishing a center, indicating that land acquisition processes often sideline rightful owners. The conversation around data centers should not only revolve around efficiency but also about their fundamental existence and the impacts on local communities.

Source: restofworld.org