Residents Raise Alarm Over Amazon Data Centre
Residents in Thane have stepped up their opposition to Amazon’s proposed data centre in Balkum, questioning whether such a massive facility should be located in the middle of a densely populated residential area.
The facility is being developed by Amazon Data Services India on a 53-acre plot and is estimated to involve an investment of around ₹47,000 crore. Once developed, it is expected to be among the largest data centre facilities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Residents campaigning under the banner of Wake Up Thanekar say they are not against data centres but object to the location of this particular project.
Heat, Noise And Emissions Are Major Concerns
Residents have raised concerns about the amount of heat that could be generated by the facility, along with noise and emissions from its backup infrastructure.
One of their biggest concerns is the proposed installation of nearly 190 diesel generator sets. Residents fear that the generators, along with cooling equipment and other machinery, could create significant noise and emissions in an area already surrounded by residential buildings.
They have also expressed concerns about the possibility of the facility contributing to higher temperatures in surrounding areas.
Residents Fear Power Supply Problems
The project’s enormous electricity requirement has emerged as another major concern.
Residents claim that a hyperscale data centre would require an uninterrupted power supply of around 420 MW. They fear that such a large demand could put additional pressure on local electricity infrastructure and potentially contribute to power problems in surrounding areas.
They have pointed to previous power cuts in the locality as a reason for their concerns.
Amazon Says Local Power Supply Will Not Be Affected
Amazon has rejected concerns that the data centre will divert electricity from local consumers.
The company said the facility will receive power through its own dedicated extra-high-voltage substation, planned in coordination with the electricity utility after feasibility assessments.
According to Amazon, the data centre will not draw or divert power from the local distribution grid serving residential and commercial consumers.
The company has also said that the facility will comply with applicable noise regulations and use sound-dampening materials, acoustic enclosures and mufflers where required.
Amazon Says No Water Will Be Used For Cooling
Water consumption has also been discussed as part of the controversy.
Amazon said the Thane facility will not use water for cooling. Instead, it plans to use air-cooled chillers and closed-loop cooling technology.
The company said its approved water supply of 0.01 million litres per day is intended only for basic human requirements such as drinking water and restrooms for employees.
Amazon also said it does not currently use water for cooling at its data centres in India.
Residents Question Project Location
For residents, the central issue remains the location of the facility.
The proposed site is surrounded by high-rise residential buildings and three villages, with schools, hospitals and public transport facilities, including the metro, located nearby.
Residents argue that the potential impact on thousands of people should have been assessed more carefully before the project was approved.
The group organised a human-chain protest on July 18 and later met Amazon officials to discuss its concerns. Residents said they had consulted experts before the meeting but remained dissatisfied with the responses.
₹47,000 Crore Investment Meets Local Resistance
The proposed data centre represents a major investment in Thane and could strengthen the region’s position as an important technology and digital infrastructure hub.
However, the project is now facing strong opposition from nearby residents who want greater clarity on its environmental and infrastructure impact.
Amazon maintains that the facility has been designed to address concerns around power, water, heat and noise. Residents, meanwhile, are demanding that the location and potential impact on the surrounding community be examined more closely.
Summary
Residents in Thane are opposing Amazon’s proposed ₹47,000 crore data centre in Balkum, citing concerns over heat, noise, diesel generator emissions and power supply. The facility is planned on a 53-acre plot and could require around 420 MW of uninterrupted power. Amazon says it will use a dedicated power substation and will not affect local electricity supply, while air-cooled and closed-loop systems will eliminate the need for water-based cooling.
Thane Residents Oppose ₹47,000 Crore Amazon Data Centre Over Heat, Noise And Power Fears
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