Integrating Resource Sustainability in Data Centre Infrastructure: NITI Aayog’s Strategic Framework

As India positions itself as a global hub for digital infrastructure, the exponential growth of data centres has necessitated a shift toward sustainable planning. NITI Aayog, in collaboration with Deloitte India, has released a comprehensive framework advising state governments to adopt rigorous 20-30-year seasonal assessments of critical natural resources—specifically water and power—before granting project approvals. This move marks a transition from aggressive industrial promotion to a more cautious, data-driven developmental approach. Data centres are energy-intensive and often require massive volumes of water for cooling systems. With the sector projected to expand significantly by 2030, the risk of localized environmental stress, particularly in water-stressed regions, is high. The proposed framework mandates that states evaluate the long-term viability of infrastructure projects, considering climate variability and the demand-supply gaps in local resource availability. By factoring in the ecological footprint of these tertiary sector facilities, policymakers aim to balance the 'Ease of Doing Business' with the 'Ease of Living' for local communities.