Overview
- Residents gathered in Balkum on Saturday to protest a proposed 53-acre Amazon data centre, saying the project threatens local health, environment and livability.
- Protesters say the site would need roughly 12 million litres of water per day, produce continuous noise up to about 90 decibels, and affect schools, hospitals and large housing complexes within one kilometre.
- Amazon has publicly rejected key local claims, saying the facility will use a dedicated high‑voltage substation rather than local distribution power, will not draw potable water for cooling, and has a 'water positive' status while pledging native tree planting.
- Thane MP Naresh Mhaske has asked the civic commissioner for a construction stay and an independent expert committee review, and a Thursday meeting between protesters, the municipal chief and company representatives failed to resolve grievances.
- With talks unresolved, the dispute could prompt formal public hearings or regulatory review and the outcome will determine whether construction is paused and how local schools, hospitals and water supplies are protected.