Andaman withdraws green AI data centre EoI

The India — Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration withdrew its Expression of Interest (EoI) for a private sector-led green AI/data centre vertical in Great Nicobar or India — Little Andaman. The EoI, issued on August 10, was withdrawn with immediate effect on August 14 due to 'administrative reasons'. The proposed project aimed to explore development of an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure ecosystem, leveraging the islands' strategic location. The withdrawal comes amid environmental concerns and local opposition to the larger Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project, which includes a transhipment port, township, airport, and power plant. The EoI had identified sea areas in Great Nicobar and India — Little Andaman, some of which overlap with areas earmarked for wildlife corridors and other uses in the draft master plan. Local tribal communities, including the Shompen people and Nicobarese people, have expressed concerns about the impact of large infrastructure projects. A batch of petitions challenging approvals for the Great Nicobar project is pending before the India — Calcutta High Court.