Amaravati, August 19, 2026: Andhra Pradesh IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has assured the State Assembly that the development of Visakhapatnam Data Centres will not affect the city’s drinking water supply.
Responding to concerns raised in the Assembly, Lokesh said the government was taking steps to ensure that the growing data-centres sector would not put additional pressure on water resources meant for residents.
The development of data centres in Visakhapatnam is part of Andhra Pradesh’s broader efforts to attract technology and digital infrastructure investments. With demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data storage increasing, the State Government has been seeking to attract large-scale data-centre projects to the city.
However, the water requirements of such facilities have raised concerns among the citizens and lawmakers, particularly because Visakhapatnam already faces several pressures on its water resources.
Government Assures Water Security
Lokesh said drinking water requirements would remain a priority while planning and approving major industrial and technology projects.
The Minister indicated that the government would ensure that water required for Visakhapatnam data centres does not come at the expense of the city’s domestic supply. The assurance is significant as the data centres can require substantial quantities of water depending on the cooling technology used by individual facilities.
Modern data centres use different cooling systems, and their water consumption can vary considerably based on the design, climate and operational requirements. Authorities therefore need to assess water demand before approving large projects.
The government’s position is that technology-led development and infrastructure expansion can proceed without compromising essential public services.
Visakhapatnam Emerging as a Technology Hub
Visakhapatnam has been positioned by the Andhra Pradesh government as a major centre for information technology, electronics and other emerging industries.
The city’s location, existing infrastructure and connectivity have made it an attractive destination for technology companies and investors. The expansion of data centres in Visakhapatnam is also expected to create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s position in the technology sector.
Data centres are particularly important to the digital economy because they provide the infrastructure required to operate cloud services, online platforms, artificial language applications, and other data-intensive technologies.
At the same time, large projects can place additional demands on electricity, land, and water resources. This has prompted calls for sustainable planning as Andhra Pradesh seeks to attract investment.
Focus on Sustainable Development
The government’s assurance comes amid border discussions about balancing industrial development with environmental and public-interest considerations.
For Visakhapatnam, maintaining adequate drinking water supplies will remain particularly important as the city’s population and industrial activity grow. Authorities will need to ensure that water allocation for data centres in Visakhapatnam does not reduce the availability of water for households.
Authorities may also consider encouraging water-efficient cooling technologies and the use of treated or recycled water wherever feasible. Such measures can help reduce the dependence of industrial facilities on freshwater resources.
Lokesh’s statement in the Assembly is therefore likely to provide some reassurance to residents concerned about the impact of the upcoming data-centre project.
Investment and Public Interest
Andhra Pradesh has been actively seeking major investments in technology and digital infrastructure as part of its economic development strategy. The expansion of Visakhapatnam data centres could support the State’s ambitions to attract technology companies and build a stronger digital ecosystem.
The challenge, however, will be ensuring that such investments are supported by adequate infrastructure and environmental safeguards.
With Visakhapatnam expected to play an increasingly important role in Andhra Pradesh’s technology plans, the government’s commitment to protecting drinking water supplies will remain an important part of discussions surrounding future data centres in Visakhapatnam.
