Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Protests Erupt Over Amazon's Thane Data Centre
Many people in Thane, India, are protesting against Amazon building a big data centre.
They worry it will use too much water and electricity, make a lot of noise, harm the environment, and be too close to their homes.
Amazon says they are following all the rules, not using local water or power, and even planting more trees than they cut down.
They also promise to help the community with education and other benefits.
The protesters met with Amazon and local officials, but they didn't agree on a solution.
A local politician also asked for a stop to the construction and an independent review of the project.
Hundreds protested against Amazon's proposed data centre in Thane, citing environmental and health concerns.
Protesters claim the data centre will consume 12 million litres of water daily and unlimited electricity, cause noise pollution, and transform the residential area into an industrial zone.
Amazon asserts compliance with environmental laws, no local water or power usage, tree replanting, and community benefits.
A meeting between protesters, Amazon, and Thane municipal authorities did not resolve the issues.
Thane MP demanded a stay on construction and an independent review of the project.
- Who
- Residents of Balkum, Kolshet, and Dhokali areas, Amazon, Thane municipal authorities, Thane MP
- What
- Protest against Amazon's proposed data centre in Thane
- When
- Protest held on Saturday, meeting on Thursday
- Where
- Balkum, Thane, India
- Why
- Concerns over environmental impact, water and electricity consumption, noise pollution, inappropriate location
Protesters
Amazon
Water Usage
Protesters
The data centre will consume 12 million litres of water daily, diverting from local sources.
Amazon
Amazon claims it will use only 0.01 MLD (10,000 litres per day) for drinking and other purposes, not using local water for cooling.
Environmental Impact
Protesters
The project poses environmental threats, including noise pollution, tree felling, and transformation of residential area into industrial zone.
Amazon
Amazon asserts compliance with environmental laws, compensatory plantation of more native trees, and investment in local environmental initiatives.
Power Consumption
Protesters
The data centre will consume unlimited electricity, affecting local resources and causing noise pollution from backup generators.
Amazon
Amazon states it will use a dedicated high-voltage substation, not drawing from local grids, and has obtained all necessary approvals.
Location
Protesters
The data centre is inappropriate for a residential area, causing traffic, safety, and health concerns.
Amazon
Amazon has obtained all required government approvals and pledges to provide community benefits.
- Location
- Balkum, Thane, India
- Protester Claims
- Environmental threat, noise pollution, high water and electricity consumption, inappropriate location
- Amazon's Stance
- Compliance with environmental laws, no local water or power usage, tree replanting, community benefits
- Project Size
- 53-acre plot
- Water Usage Claim
- 12 million litres daily (protesters), 0.01 MLD (Amazon)
- Meeting Outcome
- No satisfactory solution reached
- Political Involvement
- Thane MP demanded a stay and independent review
- Amazon's Pledges
- STEM education, cloud computing training, meals for underserved students, water provision, environmental initiatives
Sources
Thane: Hundreds rally against proposed Amazon data centre, firm rejects local water diversion claim
'We Are Genuinely Working to Raise Issues...': Wake Up Thanekar Representative Opposes Proposed Amazon Data Centre Project
Amazon Defends Balkum Hyperscale Data Centre As Thanekars Demand Its Relocation
Mass protest erupts over Amazon's data centre plan near Mumbai