The last thing we know about the pharaonic Mayan Train, which is the big project that López Obrador has in hand, will further open the doors of tourism and access to a large part of the national heritage, was the discovery of a number of treasures and archaeological sites. remnants of the past of incalculable historical value. In fact, these findings explain very well why a significant part of the project was stopped.

Section 5 Southern stops. To give us an idea, the announcement of the First District Court of Yucatán Mérida for the “permanent suspension of work” means the suspension of the section from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. In other words, it is the road that should pass through Riviera Maya, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country with its beaches, archaeological sites and natural parks.

Environmental Impact. This is the key to suspension. The decision shows that the companies tasked with carrying out the works did not comply with the environmental impact report published by Semarnat in 2022. In fact, the judge gave a very clear detail that the risk of environmental impact will increase if the work continues in the department. the damage was irreversible.

This study, carried out two years ago, prohibited the dumping of materials resulting from cutting and excavation work or activities carried out in areas with runoff or in areas that support forest vegetation, as well as the dumping or dumping of any polluting or toxic materials, substances or waste. “This could change the conditions for the runoff.” However, despite the ban, it has continued since last year.

Profepa’s report. This year, between February and March, the Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa) carried out a tour of this section to assess the impact on the residential area. Later, the warning of many environmentalists who warned about cement leakage in some caves in the region was also reflected in another report.

Not only that. Profepa also found concrete trucks and machines performing interior washing operations in unauthorized areas. For example, in the Jaguar Claw, Oppenheimer and Ocho Balas caves. Problem? When the spilled cement finally solidified, it fell into the body of water inside the caves.

Cenotes are in danger. Another long-standing debate. In January this year, El País newspaper went with cavers to one of the caves affected by the project work. Experts’ opinion: They cut out all the karst soil and then place large piles as support structures. They actually “cut through” the cave and cenote system.

Irregularities that led to the division’s suspension include the collapse of the roof of a cenote (unnamed), changing the topography of caves due to drilling and piling, and even unauthorized extraction of water.

Heritage. If the Mayan Train follows the approved plan, it will travel more than 1,500 kilometers across the Yucatan Peninsula, connecting tourist cities such as Playa del Carmen and Cancún with remote cities, communities and archaeological sites where the government sees economic development. With a budget of $30 billion, it is the work of the pharaoh that López Obrador wants to leave as a legacy.

According to Obrador, the Mayan Train. Stating that for AMLO, the project represents development for new generations, he said, “We should also think about those who come after us, it is a project for them.” The government also announced that it would strengthen the region’s land planning and promote the tourism industry. “It will create economic benefits and increase connectivity in the Yucatan Peninsula, allowing for the efficient transportation of cargo and passengers,” the executive said.

Reviews with critics. Moreover, Obrador did not hesitate to harshly confront those who rejected the train project. He called them so-called environmentalists or subtly dismissed conspiracy theories when things happened.

Make populations dynamic. This is not just a government slogan. The fact is that part of the route reused the rails of the Mexican railway system, which was privatized in the late 20th century. The result, when completed, will connect the poorest states to the rich and tourist areas.

On paper, the project could create almost a million new jobs and lift 1.1 million people out of poverty by 2030. According to estimates, the economic impact on the places where the train will pass will be twice as much as estimated before the project. United Nations program.

Change of plans. Following complaints from the Riviera’s major hoteliers, the original plan was “deviated” and the section headed deeper into the jungle, into its most important cave systems, and thousands of trees were cut down in America’s second tropical forest after the Amazon. . Very fragile ecosystems live in these caves, and the solution to saving them was perhaps worse. According to various studies, drilling machines and piles destroy everything.

The rush to build. There always seems to be a race in the background to finish the project on time (this seems more complicated now, after the elections). There was no comprehensive study of effect (MIA); There was only a temporary authorization from an unconstitutional law, such as the removal of the office of the president, as determined by the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN) on 18 May 2023. Agreement in November 2021 declaring federal megaprojects important to the public interest and national security.

In fact, when the judge decided to stop the construction of one of the sections, the work continued. In addition, most of the project is common for the vast majority of citizens. López Obrador entrusted the construction to the Army and prevented it from being disclosed because it was a “national security” project, giving shelter to “corruptions who want to stop it.”

What will happen now? The judge’s “definitive suspension” decision points to an in dubio pro natura principle, which expresses the obligation to “protect and preserve the environment and give priority” in case of doubt when deciding on postponement. to less harmful alternatives

Image | BORIS G, Pexels

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