A dedicated Data Centre Policy is being prepared by Maharashtra as environmental concerns surrounding the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure are increasingly being raised in urban areas. Comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for data centres are expected to be established under the proposed framework, with regulations covering their location, resource requirements and environmental impact. The policy is being developed through a collaboration between the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. Once implemented, Maharashtra is expected to become the first state to establish such a comprehensive regulatory framework specifically governing data centre facilities. The policy is expected to be finalised within the next few months.
The initiative has been brought into sharper focus following opposition to an upcoming Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centre in Balkum, Thane. Concerns over noise pollution, heat generated by the facility and the diversion of local resources have been voiced by residents. Similar environmental challenges associated with the growing number of data centres are expected to be addressed through the proposed SOPs. A balance between attracting investment and ensuring environmental protection is being sought by the state. MPCB chairman Siddhesh Kadam said that environmental issues associated with upcoming data centres were being viewed as a matter of concern. At the same time, he indicated that new investments were expected to continue being encouraged in Maharashtra. However, it was stressed that such investments could not be allowed to come at the cost of environmental safeguards.
Under the proposed framework, mandatory buffer zones are expected to be prescribed between residential neighbourhoods and large data centre facilities. New projects could also be encouraged to be established away from densely populated areas so that pressure on existing urban infrastructure and surrounding communities can be reduced.
Water consumption is another major issue expected to be covered. Large quantities of water are generally required for cooling servers and associated equipment. Under the proposed policy, the use of recycled and treated wastewater could be mandated instead of allowing facilities to depend heavily on fresh municipal water supplies.
Noise mitigation measures are also likely to be introduced. Advanced acoustic barriers could be required to control low-frequency noise produced by cooling equipment and generators. Measures for monitoring and limiting localised heat generation are also being examined, while stricter standards governing energy consumption are expected to form part of the regulatory framework.
International experience is also being considered while the guidelines are being prepared. Kadam said that lessons had been drawn from developed countries where data centres had already been established on a large scale. These experiences, he indicated, were being used to determine appropriate “operating measures” and identify where such facilities should ideally be located. Through the proposed policy, the expansion of Maharashtra’s data centre industry is expected to be supported while stronger safeguards for residential areas, natural resources and the urban environment are simultaneously put in place.
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