India’s data centre boom, driven by the DPDP Act 2023 and AI growth, supports data sovereignty as the country generates 20% of global data but stores under 6%. However, rising energy and water demands risk strain. Sustainable mandates and Ireland-style regulation are vital to avoid digital colonialism.
Click to View MoreIndia’s rapid growth of data centres, especially in tech hubs like Karnataka, offers economic opportunities but poses significant challenges for water resources. Policies such as the Karnataka Data Centre Policy 2022–27 promote investment and renewable energy use, while water-management initiatives like geotagging water bodies, the Atal Bhujal Yojana, and groundwater regulations aim to conserve and monitor water. Moving forward, sustainable development requires integrating water-efficient technologies, regulatory enforcement, community engagement, and policy incentives to balance digital infrastructure growth with long-term water security.
Click to View More
© 2026 iasgyan. All right reserved