Maharashtra Establishes Committee to Evaluate Data Centre Impacts
A new committee led by Anil Kakodkar will assess the environmental and social effects of data centres in Maharashtra.
The committee aims to evaluate the impact of data centres on health and infrastructure.
It includes experts from various fields, including energy and environmental science.
The final report is expected within three months, guiding future policies.
On October 13, 2026, the Maharashtra government announced the formation of a committee chaired by Dr. Anil Kakodkar, a prominent figure in the field of atomic energy, to evaluate the implications of data centres in the state. This initiative comes amid rising concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts associated with the state's ambition to become a leading hub for data centres in India.
The establishment of this high-level committee follows a motion raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Council during the recent Monsoon Session. Lawmakers expressed worries about the extensive demands that data centres impose on essential resources such as electricity, water, and land. They highlighted potential issues including increased temperatures, noise pollution, and the degradation of local environments. In response, Uday Samant, the Minister for Industries, pledged to form a committee of experts to address these concerns comprehensively.
The committee comprises a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior administrative officials, industry leaders, and technical experts. Alongside Dr. Kakodkar, members include representatives from various departments such as Energy, Water Resources, and Environment, as well as experts from institutions like IIT Bombay and the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. This collaborative approach aims to ensure a thorough examination of the data centres' impact across multiple dimensions.
With a focus on scientific evaluation, the committee will assess how data centres affect the environment, energy consumption, and local ecosystems. It will also investigate public misconceptions about data centres and explore best practices from both domestic and international contexts. Recommendations will include guidelines for energy-efficient operations, water conservation strategies, and frameworks for public awareness to engage local communities effectively.
The committee is expected to deliver its final report within three months, which will inform the state government's policies regarding data centres. Administrative and technical support will be provided by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and other relevant departments, ensuring that the findings lead to actionable insights for sustainable development in the region.
