Mexico’s Environment and Natural Resources Ministry, known as Semarnat, has recently admitted that the construction of the Maya Train has caused environmental harm. During a congressional hearing, Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena spoke about this issue, telling Congress that the government is actively working to address the damage.
Specifically, Bárcena mentioned that eight caverns and cenotes—natural sinkholes that provide crucial water in the area—have been affected along Section 5 of the train route. This information highlights the direct impact of infrastructure development on local ecosystems.
The Maya Train spans 1,554 kilometers and was a major project under the previous administration, costing around 500 billion pesos (approximately $27 billion). Critics, including environmentalists, have raised concerns about the significant deforestation and the disruption it has caused in the region.
Section 5 has been particularly contentious, facing lawsuits during its development. Despite this, construction progressed because President Andrés Manuel López Obrador issued provisional authorizations, often without thorough environmental studies.
To remedy the issues in Section 5, Bárcena stated that Semarnat is prioritizing environmental cleanup and compliance. She expressed a commitment to auditing existing permits to streamline the project and ensure it meets environmental standards. An inter-agency team has been formed to oversee these efforts, meeting weekly to assess progress.
Interestingly, during the hearing, Deputy Samuel Palma revealed that over 61% of the 11,000 hectares used for the train’s construction lack the necessary permits for land-use changes. This statistic raises serious questions about regulatory oversight.
Amid these challenges, Bárcena also mentioned broader water quality concerns in Mexico. Her ministry aims to purify rivers, modernize irrigation, and eliminate plastics from beaches by 2030. This comprehensive approach suggests a shift toward more sustainable practices.
Overall, the admission of environmental damage is a crucial moment for the Mexican government. It shows a growing recognition that development and environmental health must go hand in hand. As the government works to bring the Maya Train project into compliance, it could set important precedents for future infrastructure projects.
For more details on Mexico’s environmental initiatives and regulations, you can explore this report from La Jornada.
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