Thane residents oppose Amazon data centre over heat, noise fears

The Story in Brief

Residents of Thane's Balkum area, under the group Wake Up Thanekar, have intensified their opposition to Amazon Data Services India's proposed data centre on a 53-acre plot. They cite concerns over heat from an estimated 80,000 air conditioners, noise from 190 diesel generator sets, and the facility's 420 MW power demand. A human-chain protest was held on July 18, followed by a meeting with Amazon officials.

Amazon has responded, stating the facility will not use water for cooling, will use air-cooled chillers, and will get power from a dedicated extra-high-voltage substation without drawing from the local grid. The company says it will comply with noise rules. Residents remain unsatisfied, arguing the location, surrounded by high-rises, schools, and a metro line, is unsuitable for a hyperscale data centre.