Data Centres: The Digital Refineries Raising Environmental Concerns in India
As data increasingly becomes the world’s most valuable resource, questions are emerging about the environmental and social impact of the infrastructure that stores and processes it—data centres. Often likened to the “refineries” of the digital era, data centres consume massive amounts of electricity and water, generate heat, and rely heavily on critical resources, raising concerns about sustainability.
India, with its rapidly expanding digital economy, is considered a high-risk candidate for “data dumping,” where vast amounts of data are stored without efficiency or environmental oversight. This trend has intensified worries over resource strain, carbon emissions, and water usage, particularly in regions already facing scarcity. Experts stress that as the sector grows, adopting sustainable practices—such as energy-efficient cooling, renewable power, and responsible e-waste management—is critical to mitigating environmental impact.
The debate underscores the need to treat data not just as an economic asset but also as a responsibility, demanding careful planning and sustainable development in India’s booming digital infrastructure sector.
