
India's AI ambitions clash with coastal city's water and energy fears
Google and Reliance are building massive data centres in India's Visakhapatnam to support the nation's AI push, but residents worry about water scarcity and inflated job claims.
The stories shaping Malaysia, in focus.

Google and Reliance are building massive data centres in India's Visakhapatnam to support the nation's AI push, but residents worry about water scarcity and inflated job claims.

Malaysia will approve data centre projects only after confirming adequate energy and water supply for residents and industries, a deputy minister confirmed to parliament.

New York has imposed an immediate moratorium on data centre projects exceeding 50 megawatts, making it the first US state to take such action. The pause addresses growing concerns over energy consumption, resource depletion, and environmental impact.

Authorities across the globe are curtailing data centre expansion through moratoria and bans, citing strain on power grids, water resources, and local communities as artificial intelligence infrastructure demands surge.

Major technology firms are aggressively pursuing data centre development on Native American lands, particularly in Oklahoma. Tribal leaders face mounting pressure to approve projects, with some communities implementing outright bans while others cautiously study the implications.

As artificial intelligence drives explosive demand for data centres, residents living nearby are filing lawsuits over relentless noise pollution and health impacts. The regulatory gap leaves communities vulnerable.