Sanjay Raut Urges Maharashtra CM to Halt Thane Data Center Project Over Environmental Concerns

Thane, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing data center project in Thane. In his letter, Raut highlighted serious risks to local infrastructure, excessive resource consumption, and adverse environmental impacts.

He urged the state government to suspend the project until a comprehensive state-level policy is established. Raut emphasized that while technological infrastructure is rapidly developing across the state, it should not come at the expense of basic civic amenities for local residents or ecological balance.

Raut requested Fadnavis to convene a joint consultation meeting involving officials from the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), electricity distribution companies, water supply authorities, project developers, and representatives from the local community.

He also called for all regulatory approvals, including construction permits, water supply allocations, electricity load approvals, tree-cutting permissions, and environmental clearances, to be made publicly accessible. Raut insisted on clarifying the legal validity of both active and expired permits.

Furthermore, he appealed for an independent evaluation of the water consumption during peak hours, water sources, recycling capabilities, and cooling technologies associated with the facility. Raut sought clarity on the developer’s claims regarding ‘water-free cooling’ methods.

He urged the publication of detailed information concerning peak electricity demand, special supply arrangements, and potential load on the local grid. Raut demanded that the state government clarify who will bear the costs for the necessary electricity infrastructure.

Regarding pollution and environmental impacts, he requested assessments of potential noise and air pollution effects on nearby residential buildings. He also called for strict adherence to regulations concerning backup diesel generators, cooling systems, and ongoing construction activities.

Raut strongly advocated for an open public hearing to directly address residents’ concerns. He insisted that official meeting details, promises made by developers, and timelines for regulatory compliance should be disclosed. If violations of permit conditions are found, he called for immediate regulatory action and work stoppages until all necessary corrective measures are taken.

He urged the state government to develop clear policy guidelines for data centers throughout Maharashtra. These guidelines should encompass water consumption, electricity usage, emissions, noise, and impacts on local communities.

Raut raised the question of whether establishing energy-intensive data centers in densely populated residential areas is necessary at this time. He reiterated his call for a complete halt to the Thane project.

As of now, the Chief Minister’s office has not issued any official response to Raut’s demand. This request comes amid ongoing development of data center hubs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), raising concerns among local activists and residents about power instability, changes in water supply, and the effects of urban heat islands in suburban areas.