Opposition to the proposed Amazon data centre in Balkum has intensified, with the citizens' group Wake Up Thanekar announcing a protest against the project on Saturday, July 18.
The organisation said it will hold a demonstration at 10 am at the proposed data centre site in Balkum, claiming that thousands of Thane residents are expected to participate in what it described as a non-political protest.
Residents, housing societies and environmental groups have alleged that the proposed data centre could put additional pressure on the city's water and electricity resources while increasing traffic congestion, noise and environmental pollution in the densely populated locality. They have also expressed concern over large-scale tree felling linked to the project and have demanded greater transparency from the authorities.
According to the organisers, the proposed 53-acre facility would require around 12 million litres of treated water daily, uninterrupted electricity supply and would generate continuous operational noise. They have questioned the decision to establish such a project in a residential neighbourhood and demanded that the proposal be reconsidered.
The proposed project has already triggered political and public opposition, with local residents, environmental activists and public representatives seeking a review of the approvals granted for the project and an inquiry into the alleged large-scale tree felling at the site.
Amazon has maintained that the project complies with all statutory approvals and environmental regulations, stating that it will use treated, non-potable water for cooling and that all tree removal has been carried out with the required permissions.
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