In the shadow of Mumbai's booming digital economy, residents of Mahul are paying a devastating health price as coal-fired power stations remain operational to feed energy-hungry datacentres, particularly those operated by Amazon.
The Human Cost of Digital Growth
Kiran Kasbe navigates his rickshaw through Mahul's smog-filled streets daily, witnessing firsthand the consequences of living near one of Mumbai's dirtiest neighbourhoods. The 36-year-old driver's life took a tragic turn earlier this year when doctors discovered three tumours in his 54-year-old mother's brain.
Studies consistently show that people living near coal plants face significantly higher risks of developing cancer, and Mahul residents reside just a few hundred metres from major facilities operated by Indian multinational giants Tata Group and Adani.
"We are not the only ones facing health challenges in the area," Kasbe revealed. "It's all covered with filth." Even from behind closed car windows, the heavy stench of oil and smoke permeates the air, creating an unbearable living environment for the community.
Datacentre Demand Reverses Climate Progress
Both Tata and Adani coal plants were scheduled to close last year as part of government efforts to reduce emissions. However, in a dramatic policy reversal during late 2023, Tata successfully argued that Mumbai's soaring electricity demand made coal indispensable.
An investigation by SourceMaterial and the Guardian uncovered that energy-hungry datacentres represent the single biggest factor in Mumbai's failure to transition away from fossil fuels. Leaked records reveal Amazon operates 16 datacentres in the Mumbai metropolitan area, despite publicly listing only three "availability zones" on its website.
Bhaskar Chakravorti, who researches technology's impact on society at Tufts University, explained: "As India transforms its economy into a hub for artificial intelligence, the datacentre boom is creating a conflict between energy demand and climate pledges."
Amazon's Controversial Energy Claims
Amazon spokeswoman Kylee Yonas defended the company's environmental record, stating: "Amazon is one of the largest corporate investors in renewable energy in India, supporting 53 solar and wind projects capable of generating over 4 million megawatt hours of clean energy annually."
However, these claims face scrutiny from climate activists and employees. Eliza Pan of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice accused the company of using "creative accounting" by purchasing renewable energy certificates alongside direct green energy purchases.
"Amazon is using the shiny thing of AI to distract from the fact that it's building a dirty energy empire," Pan asserted.
The scale of Amazon's energy consumption in Mumbai is staggering. Leaked data shows the company's Mumbai colocation datacentres used 624,518 megawatt hours of electricity in 2023 - enough to power more than 400,000 Indian households for an entire year.
Health Crisis in a 'Toxic Hell'
Mahul, originally a fishing village, now houses tens of thousands of people relocated from other parts of Mumbai during slum clearance programmes. The area has been described as a "toxic hell" in a 2019 report by India's Centre for Policy Studies, hosting three refineries and 16 chemical factories alongside the coal plants.
Local resident Gajanan Tandle reported widespread pollution-related illnesses. "There are so many cases of skin and eye irritation, cancer, asthma, TB and more, and no assistance from the government," he said.
Santosh Jadhav, another Mahul resident who has lobbied for relocation, expressed the community's desperation: "Everything is contaminated. We are tired of fighting for a decent means of living. It's hell for us here."
The Tata power station, operational since 1984 and subject to less stringent emissions regulations as an older facility, contributes nearly one-third of local PM2.5 pollution according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.
Diesel Backup Compounds Pollution Crisis
Even with coal plants kept running, Mumbai's power grid struggles to meet surging demand. Documents reveal Amazon's colocation datacentres have purchased 41 diesel generators as backup power sources and are seeking approval to install more.
A recent report by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy identified diesel generators as a major source of air pollution in the region. Swagata Dey, an air quality specialist at CSTEP, asserted that datacentre operators should be legally required to power facilities with pollution-free solar electricity.
As India positions itself as a global AI hub, the tension between technological ambition and environmental responsibility continues to intensify, with Mumbai's most vulnerable residents caught in the crossfire.
