I stand as a citizen deeply concerned for the future of our environment and the well-being of generations to come. As our cities evolve rapidly, the importance of preserving our ecosystems has never been more critical. Bangalore, once dubbed "The Garden City," is famed for its lush greenery, abundant lakes, and diverse wildlife. Yet, recent urban developments threaten these natural treasures – with plans such as constructing AI townships and data centers near Ramnagar and Bangalore.

The promise of technological advancement is enticing, but what about the environmental cost? The establishment of these facilities demands vast amounts of land that could otherwise be used to enrich our community's food and resource security. Their construction  also leads to the destruction of trees and lakes, crucial components of our ecosystem that not only support biodiversity but also mitigate climate change by acting as carbon sinks. Are we prepared to sacrifice our environment for advancements that may lead to further ecological erosion?

An RTI response from the Horticulture Department, obtained by The Hindu, shows that acquiring all nine revenue villages could lead to the felling of nearly two lakh trees by February 2026. The affected vegetation includes 87,903 coconut trees, 83,536 arecanut trees, over 3 lakh banana plants, 12,550 mango trees, 2,344 chikoo trees, besides rose plants, custard apple trees, silk fields, and crops such as ragi, paddy, and red gram. Ragi alone is cultivated across 231 acres in the proposed acquisition area.

The area has a cattle population of 50,000 that produces nearly six lakh litres of milk monthly for the city. Ramanagara and neighbouring districts have historically served as Bengaluru's food basket, with investments in irrigation under the Mysuru region sustaining farm activity for decades.

Protesters have been holding continuous demonstrations for over 400 days. More than 10,000 of the affected farmers are described as small and marginal landholders, 60% of them owning half an acre or one acre. The farmer organisation Raithara Bhoohitha Rakshana Sangha has alleged that the Joint Measurement Survey conducted by the GBDA was carried out without transparency and under coercion.

Source: https://www.thenewsminute.com/karnataka/bidadi-township-what-the-project-is-who-opposes-it-and-why

Evidence has shown that rapid urban development without sustainable practices can lead to dire consequences. A study by the Indian Institute of Science found that Bangalore has seen a 79% reduction in water bodies from 1973 to 2016. Such statistics are alarming and should spark immediate action to protect and restore these critical resources. Developed AI townships could exacerbate these issues by increasing demand for water and land while neglecting the existing ecological crisis.

Rather than indulging in infrastructure projects rooted in transient technological trends, we should focus on reinvesting in sustainable practices. This means prioritizing food and resource security by supporting local agriculture, protecting green spaces, and restoring our lakes. Implementing policies that encourage eco-friendly urban planning, renewable energy, and the conservation of forests can transform Bangalore into a beacon of sustainability.

Let us unite to demand the local government and developers respect our natural habitats and prioritize long-term ecological balance over short-lived technological gains. By securing our food resources and nourishing our lands, we can ensure a healthy, thriving world for future generations.

Read about the impact of data centers on local populations and the environment here:

Recent US Congress appeal by AoC

https://youtu.be/rPX4pJs2XLs?si=ZNP5eRJVGBo_Pp_T

https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/sites/stpp/files/2025-07/stpp-data-centers-2025.pdf
https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/data-centers-and-water-consumption
https://andthewest.stanford.edu/2025/thirsty-for-power-and-water-ai-crunching-data-centers-sprout-across-the-west/
https://sites.uab.edu/humanrights/2025/10/02/construction-and-consequences-the-human-impacts-of-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhqoTku-HAA

Hear testimonials from those already impacted by data centers here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-8TDOFqkQA

Join me in calling for a halt to the development of AI townships near Ramnagar and Bangalore. Sign the petition and let our voices be heard – we demand a sustainable future, rich with biodiversity and security for all.