India, Oct. 10 -- Amazon is building a 22-hectare data centre in Thane as part of its planned $21 billion investment in AI infrastructure in India by 2030. However, this rapid buildout is encountering local backlash over concerns about noise, electricity consumption and water stress, similar to the pushback seen in North America and Europe.

Speaking to Reuters, a 46-year-old expressed concerns about the hub's impact on the area. "I would not have bought the house if I had known," he said, adding that he bought the house as he thought it would give him access to the lush green surroundings.

Another resident of the area, 62-year-old Vasudha Shetty, said, "If the data centre stops, we will stay ... If it goes ahead, we will move."

The hub...