Background and Relevance
The Atoyac River, a vital water source for the Mexican states of Puebla and Tlaxcala, is undergoing a significant restoration effort led by the Government of Puebla and the National Water Commission (CONAGUA). This initiative aligns with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s commitment to protect water as a fundamental right, emphasizing social bioethics and concrete actions.
Key Players and Their Roles
During a visit to Santa Cruz Otlatla, Tlahuapan—where the Atoyac River originates—key figures participated in overseeing the restoration project:
- Efrain Morales: Director of CONAGUA, acknowledged the historical significance of these efforts and praised Puebla’s substantial investment in water projects, totaling nearly 3 billion pesos.
- Alejandro Isauro Martínez Orozco: Commissioner for the Atoyac River Restoration, highlighted Puebla’s allocation of 135 million pesos for the initial phase of the restoration. He also mentioned that the watershed encompasses 22 municipalities in Puebla and 48 in Tlaxcala, with identified contamination sources and deforestation areas.
- Alejandro Armenta: Governor of Puebla, emphasized the priority of water security and pledged full support to the federal government’s environmental restoration projects.
Restoration Plan and Actions
The restoration plan includes several key actions, prioritizing the construction of treatment plants, collectors, and reforestation:
- Initial investment of 200 million pesos to implement 11 actions, focusing on treatment plants, collectors, and reforestation efforts.
- Deep cleaning and dredging of the riverbed over 1.83 kilometers.
- Installation of 268 treatment systems with biodigestors.
- Construction of 11.35 kilometers of sanitary and stormwater collectors.
- Direct attention to 108,464 residents in Tramo 1 for sanitation and environmental monitoring.
- Technical brigade surveys along 70 kilometers of the river to identify risks and restore the ecosystem.
- Construction of two treatment plants.
Community Engagement
Following the visit, Governor Armenta met with residents of San Martinito and Anaya inspectorates, committing to integrate them into the Community Works Program. A meeting with Secretaries Rebeca Bañuelos (Environment, Sustainable Development, and Territorial Order) and Josefina Morales (Finance) is planned to establish committees and projects, with a budget of one million pesos for materials.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main goal of this restoration project? The primary objective is to protect and restore the Atoyac River, ensuring water security for the communities in Puebla and Tlaxcala.
- Who is leading this initiative? The project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Puebla and CONAGUA, guided by President Claudia Sheinbaum’s commitment to water as a fundamental right.
- What actions are being taken to restore the river? Key actions include dredging, constructing treatment plants and collectors, reforestation, and direct support to affected communities.
- How are local communities involved in this project? Local residents are being integrated into the Community Works Program, and meetings with government officials aim to establish committees and projects for their benefit.
