This series explores India’s rapid expansion of data centres, highlighting their designation as critical infrastructure comparable to highways and power grids. It examines the legal framework surrounding data sovereignty, arguing that domestic data must be governed by Indian law rather than foreign jurisdictions. The reports also address environmental concerns by debunking myths about excessive water consumption and explaining the mechanics of modern, efficient cooling towers. Additionally, the articles investigate coordinated foreign narratives targeting the sector, emphasising the necessity of securing India’s digital future.
Water consumption numbers alone don’t give the full picture if nobody knows what data centre cooling system is behind them
The first major attempt to develop a comprehensive federal framework for the industry was the Draft National Data Centre Policy
Data centre cooling towers function by evaporating some of their water, which finally returns to Earth as rainfall
A data centre cooling tower is a larger version of the desert cooler that millions of Indian homes rely on each summer.
Giving data centres the same priority as highways, railroads, and electricity grids by designating them as important infrastructure was the most significant decision of the govt
Selected issues, clear explanations and thoughtful perspectives—delivered when we publish.
