Amazon Data Centre Project in Thane Faces Residents’ Opposition Over Loss of Green Cover
Thane, 9th October 2026: Amazon’s under-construction data centre in Balkum has drawn opposition from nearby residents over the loss of green cover, concerns about water and electricity demand, and the facility’s proximity to residential buildings.
The project, spread across approximately 53 acres (21.4 hectares), is coming up on land previously owned by developer Kalpataru. The site was earlier occupied by a chemical company. As construction progresses, residents have raised concerns about the environmental and neighbourhood impact of the facility.
Resident Tushar Shetty, who bought a flat on the 21st floor for its views of the surrounding greenery, said the trees outside his window had been cleared for the project. He said he would not have bought the apartment had he known about the development.
The opposition has also centred on the data centre’s anticipated resource requirements. The facility is reportedly expected to require 422 megawatts of power, with 193 diesel generator sets available for backup. The project’s water requirements and potential noise from its operations have also raised concerns among residents of Balkum, Majiwada and Dhokali.
Residents have organised protests under the #WakeUpThanekar movement, seeking the relocation of the facility and greater consideration of its impact on the surrounding residential areas. They have questioned the decision to establish a large-scale data centre in a densely populated neighbourhood already facing water shortages and concerns over power supply.
Amazon, however, has said the facility will use closed-loop cooling technology that does not consume water for cooling. The company has also stated that the data centre will have a dedicated power connection separate from the local network supplying homes and businesses. It has said noise-mitigation measures will be implemented and that more saplings were planted than the number of trees removed.
The dispute highlights the challenge of expanding digital infrastructure while addressing concerns about land use, environmental impact and the needs of communities living near such facilities.
