A.P. data centre case: High Court takes note of land allotment and environmental concerns
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The Andhra Pradesh High Court is reviewing a PIL challenging the allotment of temple lands to a Google data centre project in Visakhapatnam. The case centers on disputes over lease duration, environmental impacts on Eco Sensitive Zones, and resource consumption.
Legal Scrutiny of Google's Data Centre in Andhra Pradesh
On September 9, 2026, the Andhra Pradesh High Court initiated a critical hearing regarding the contentious allotment of temple lands for a hyperscale data centre project involving Google. The project, slated for development across the Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts, has faced significant legal pushback, primarily centered on the nature of the land acquisition and the environmental implications of industrial infrastructure in ecologically sensitive areas.
The Dispute Over Land Tenure
One of the primary points of contention addressed by Chief Justice Lisa Gill during the proceedings involves the ambiguity surrounding the lease agreement. The court is tasked with scrutinizing conflicting claims: a assertion that the land was leased for a 30-year term, contrasted by counter-claims suggesting the initial allotment was intended for an 11-year period. This discrepancy regarding the Simhachalam Devasthanam lands is pivotal, as it dictates the legal legitimacy of the project’s footprint on property traditionally held by religious trusts.
Environmental and Resource Challenges
The writ petition, spearheaded by Jal Biradari National Convener Bolisetty Satyanarayana, underscores the broader environmental impact of hyperscale computing infrastructure. Data centres are notoriously resource-intensive, requiring immense volumes of water for cooling systems and consistent, high-capacity electricity supplies. The petitioner’s challenge specifically highlights the risks of placing such a high-demand facility within an Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ), raising questions about long-term ecological sustainability and local resource management.
Procedural Objections by the State
Representing the state, Advocate General Dammalapati Srinivas has moved to challenge the maintainability of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The state’s argument rests on the procedural claim that the petition improperly clubs two distinct causes of action: the specific complexities of temple land allotment and broader environmental clearance concerns. By attempting to bifurcate these issues, the state aims to limit the scope of the judicial review, asserting that the case falls under specific jurisdictional constraints.
Broader Implications for Tech Infrastructure
This case represents a growing tension between India’s push to become a global digital hub and the necessity of protecting institutional and environmental assets. As global technology giants seek to expand their footprint in secondary Indian cities like Visakhapatnam, local authorities are finding themselves at the intersection of economic development and rigorous regulatory oversight. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for how hyperscale projects navigate the intersection of state-sponsored development and public interest advocacy.
Outlook and Future Trends
Looking forward, the High Court’s decision will be a bellwether for future infrastructure projects in Andhra Pradesh. If the court demands stricter adherence to environmental impact assessments or mandates transparency in temple land leasing, it may lead to more robust, albeit slower, development cycles for tech infrastructure. Conversely, if the state’s procedural objections are upheld, it could streamline the path for similar projects, though likely at the cost of continued public and legal friction regarding the protection of sensitive lands.
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