Modi’s AI Ambition Faces Local Resistance
Indian residents are protesting against the construction of an Amazon data centre near residential buildings in Thane, Mumbai, raising concerns about noise pollution, water shortages, electricity demand and falling property values. The project is part of Amazon’s planned $21 billion investment in India’s AI infrastructure by 2030, supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambition to make the country a global hub for digital infrastructure.
More than 1,000 residents have raised objections, claiming they were not adequately consulted before the project moved forward. Amazon has defended the development, stating that it will use water-free cooling, a dedicated power supply separate from residential homes and noise-reduction measures. The company also said it planted more saplings than the number of trees removed during construction.
Opposition to AI infrastructure is also growing in other parts of India. In Andhra Pradesh, environmentalists have challenged Google’s proposed $15 billion data centre over concerns about water resources, wildlife and electricity supplies. Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced a $20.5 billion investment plan for India, largely focused on AI data centres. The growing protests highlight the challenge of balancing India’s technological ambitions with environmental protection and residents’ concerns.
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