The proliferation of data centers, driven by AI, sees significant investment in India via Nabfid. While crucial for national AI capacity and offering long-term cash flows, the article urges caution. It highlights substantial downsides: immense power and water consumption, noise pollution, limited job creation, and potential land displacement. Public opposition in the West serves as a warning. India must carefully weigh these long-term effects and resource implications against uncertain benefits, avoiding a headlong rush. A calm calculus is essential to prevent critical environmental and social costs for the nation.