Thane MP Naresh Mhaske Demands Stay on Balkum Amazon Data Center Project
Thane Member of Parliament (MP) Naresh Mhaske has officially submitted a memorandum to the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Commissioner and the District Collector, demanding an immediate stay on the proposed Amazon data center project in Balkum, Thane. The lawmaker called for a transparent, independent probe into allegations of rampant and unauthorized tree felling at the project site.
The intervention by the MP follows intense opposition from local housing societies in the area, including Lodha Amara, Fairfield, and VFVA. Environmental activists and citizen forums have also joined the protest against the project.
According to the memorandum, the sprawling data center project poses severe risks to the local ecosystem and urban infrastructure. Residents have expressed fears that the facility will lead to a severe strain on resources, as data centers consume vast amounts of electricity and water. This threatens to worsen the existing water scarcity in Thane.
Additionally, the operation of heavy machinery and cooling systems is expected to escalate traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise decibels. The site is heavily surrounded by dense residential complexes, schools, and hospitals, which residents argue directly threatens public health and quality of life.
MP Mhaske highlighted a distinct lack of transparency regarding the project's socio-economic benefits. He noted that details on local employment generation and city development remain undisclosed. Citizens have also raised doubts over whether statutory environmental clearances are being strictly followed.
"A project cannot progress at the cost of public welfare. There is clear evidence that tree felling has exceeded the permissions granted by the TMC," Mhaske stated. He has called for a committee of independent experts to re-evaluate all sanctions.
The MP has urged authorities to halt all ongoing work immediately, make all environmental and traffic impact reports public, and conduct an official public hearing to address the grievances of local stakeholders.
