India Wants More AI Data Centres, But Why Are Thane And Visakhapatnam Residents Protesting? | Explained

Published 10 August 2026 · local

News cities visakhapatnam India Wants More AI Data Centres, But Why Are Thane And Visakhapatnam Residents Protesting? | Explained India Wants More AI Data Centres

News cities visakhapatnam India Wants More AI Data Centres, But Why Are Thane And Visakhapatnam Residents Protesting? | Explained India Wants More AI Data Centres, But Why Are Thane And Visakhapatnam Residents Protesting? | Explained Published By, Last Updated: August 10, 2026, 15:55 IST India is rapidly building AI data centres, but residents in Thane and Visakhapatnam are raising concerns over water, power, heat and land. What do Amazon and Google say? Rapid Read Data Centres in India: Companies argue that advanced cooling, dedicated infrastructure and environmental safeguards can reduce the impact of these facilities but residents want proof that those safeguards will work in their neighbourhoods. India is rapidly expanding its data centre infrastructure to support the growing demand for artificial intelligence and digital services. But in Thane and Visakhapatnam, large data centre projects have triggered organised opposition from residents and environmental groups. The concerns are broadly similar: water availability, electricity demand, noise, heat, environmental impact and whether densely populated or environmentally sensitive areas are suitable for such large facilities. Residents say they are not against technology or AI itself. Their concern is whether the infrastructure required to power the AI boom could put additional pressure on resources and neighbourhoods that are already facing their own challenges. What Is Happening In Thane? In Thane, residents of areas including Balkum, Majiwada, Kolshet and Dhokali have been protesting against Amazon’s proposed hyperscale data centre. The project is coming up on a site of roughly 53-58 acres and has attracted both local and political opposition. More than 100 residents protested outside the site in July, demanding that the project be shifted and raising concerns about water, electricity, noise and environmental impacts. Residents have also questioned whether such a large facility is appropriate in an area surrounded by residential buildings and other sensitive establishments. They have sought greater transparency over environmental approvals, water and sewage arrangements, power requirements, emergency preparedness and the project’s long-term impact on the neighbourhood. Why Are Residents Worried About Water? Water is among the biggest concerns raised by Thane residents, particularly because parts of the city already face water shortages. Some protesters have claimed that the Amazon facility could require up to 12 million litres of water a day. However, Amazon has disputed the suggestion that this water would be used for cooling. According to a report in The Hindustan Times, the company says its Thane data centre will not use water for cooling and that its approved water supply permit is only 0.01 million litres per day for basic human requirements such as drinking water and toilets for employees.