Thane MP demands suspension of construction activity for upcoming data centre project

Thane, Jul 7 (PTI) Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske has demanded a stay on the construction of the proposed Amazon data centre project at Balkum in Thane, citing opposition from locals and claiming that the developer exceeded the limit set by the civic body on the number of trees that can be chopped. In two separate letters addressed to the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Commissioner, Mhaske raised serious concerns regarding the mega project being developed in a densely populated area. He demanded an independent expert committee review of all permissions granted to the project, a detailed public hearing, and a joint meeting involving local residents, experts, and public representatives to address their grievances. The Shiv Sena leader stated that representatives from several residential complexes in Balkum complained to him about rampant cutting of trees at the site. The residents alleged that the developer chopped down far more trees than the number permitted by the civic body. "If this has occurred, it is highly improper. I request the administration to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter and seek a detailed fact-finding report from the tree authority department," Mhaske wrote. In his second communication, the Thane Lok Sabha member called for a complete halt to all ongoing construction and developmental works of the upcoming project. He noted that a massive data centre in the vicinity of Balkum, which houses numerous residential complexes, schools, and hospitals, would trigger severe traffic congestion, increase air and noise pollution, and put an unsustainable strain on local water and electricity supplies. "Thane city is already grappling with traffic bottlenecks and water scarcity. There is absolutely no transparency or clear data available on how this project benefits local residents, what employment opportunities it will generate, or whether it has complied with all mandatory environmental clearances," Mhaske added. PTI COR NSK