Why build data centres when drinking water is scarce? HRF asks govt

The HRF's call to action highlights a potential conflict between advanced technological development and essential resource security. The organization argues that if the government cannot ensure adequate drinking water or water for agriculture, then prioritizing water-intensive AI data centers represents a "grotesque inversion of priorities."

Hyperscale AI data centers, which house extensive computing infrastructure, typically require significant cooling systems to manage the heat generated by their operations. These cooling processes can consume substantial volumes of water, making resource availability a critical factor for their deployment, especially in regions already facing scarcity. The Chief Minister himself recently warned that drinking water would be unavailable.

Beyond water, the HRF also raised concerns regarding the power requirements of these proposed facilities. The organization asked how the government plans to meet the additional electricity demand without adversely affecting households, agriculture, and other productive sectors, urging a thorough justification for the projects in a water-stressed state.