Thane projects: Aaditya Thackeray opposes data centre, ring metro over green concerns

Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday opposed the proposed data centre and internal ring metro project in Thane citing concerns over their potential environmental and public health impactSpeaking to residents near the proposed data centre site in Balkum the former Maharashtra minister questioned the suitability of setting up the facility across 53 acres in what he described as the heart of the cityThackeray raised concerns about the projects water requirements diesel storage and potential noise levels while also objecting to the proposed tree felling associated with the ring metro projectThackeray questions location of proposed data centreThackeray said a data centre spread across 53 acres should not be constructed in a densely populated part of ThaneHe argued that the location could create additional pressure on the citys infrastructure and resources particularly because of the facilitys requirements for cooling and backup powerThe proposed project has drawn attention from local residents and environmental concerns with Thackeray urging citizens to examine its potential impact before construction moves aheadWater use and diesel storage raise concernsThackeray claimed that the data centre would require a large quantity of water for its cooling systemsHe also alleged that the facility would store around five lakh litres of diesel to operate generators in the event of power interruptionsAccording to Thackeray the scale of water consumption and fuel storage raised questions about the projects suitability for an urban locationThe claims regarding the projects resource requirements were made by Thackeray while addressing residents and were not independently verified in the reportNoise pollution cited as another issueAaditya Thackeray also raised concerns over the potential noise generated by the data centreHe claimed that the facility could produce continuous noise levels of up to 90 decibels because of its equipment and generator operationsThe former minister said such noise could affect people living in surrounding areas and should therefore be considered while assessing the projects environmental and public health implicationsOpposition to proposed ring metro projectThackeray also criticised the proposed internal ring metro project in Thane claiming that its construction could result in the felling of around 3500 treesHe argued that removing trees for the project would increase concretisation in a city known for its green spaces and tree coverThackeray said the environmental impact of the project should be assessed before decisions are taken on construction and tree removalThackeray calls for residents to oppose projectsUrging residents to come together against both projects Thackeray said he would extend political support to their oppositionHis comments come as Thane continues to see proposals for large infrastructure and commercial developments aimed at expanding the citys transport and technologyrelated capacityWhile supporters of such projects have pointed to potential economic and infrastructure benefits opponents have raised questions over their impact on water resources green cover traffic pollution and the citys existing infrastructureWith inputs from PTI