Background and Relevance of the Operation
In a significant development, Operation Caudal was executed across 48 municipalities in the Mexican state of México, resulting in the closure of 189 properties used for illegal water extraction and commercialization. Among these were 51 wells and 138 illegal taps, all without disrupting the public water supply reaching households through the municipal network.
Who is Delfina Gómez Álvarez?
Delfina Gómez Álvarez is the current Governor of the Mexican state of México. Her administration has been actively working to address various issues, including the illegal water trade, which she views as a critical matter affecting public welfare.
Details of the Operation
The operation, driven by Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez and coordinated with federal, state, and municipal authorities, aimed to dismantle illegal water trading networks that profited from a public resource. These practices not only violated laws but also led to overexploitation of wells and imbalanced water system pressure, affecting regular supply in various neighborhoods.
Uncovering the Organizations Involved
Investigations by the Fiscalía General de Justicia del Estado de México exposed that intervened points were linked to organizations operating under the guise of sindicatos, such as Unión de Sindicatos y Organizaciones Nacionales, Alianza de Autotransportistas, Comerciantes y Anexas de México, “Los 300,” “Libertad,” “25 de Marzo,” “22 de Octubre,” and “Chokiza.” These groups hoarded water and resold it in tankers at exorbitant prices, sometimes charging up to 59% more than the standard rate in municipalities like Ecatepec.
Governor’s Stance and Assurances
In an interview with media outlets, Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez emphasized that the crackdown on these practices aims to regulate illegal activities rather than harm those operating legally. She stressed that legal operators should not worry, as her administration is committed to assisting those needing regularization.
Impact and Future of Water Management in Mexico State
Through Operation Caudal, the Government of Mexico State has set a precedent in safeguarding citizens’ right to water and reclaiming a public resource that had been controlled by private interests for years. Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez has expressed her administration’s readiness for dialogue, thanks to the cooperation of municipal presidents, the Fiscalía, CAEM, and CONAGUA.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Operation Caudal? It’s a coordinated effort by the Mexican state government to shut down illegal water extraction and commercialization activities.
- How many sites were closed? A total of 189 properties, including 51 wells and 138 illegal taps.
- Were household water supplies affected? No, the public water supply through the municipal network remained stable and uninterrupted.
- Which organizations were involved in the illegal water trade? Groups like Unión de Sindicatos y Organizaciones Nacionales, Alianza de Autotransportistas, Comerciantes y Anexas de México, “Los 300,” “Libertad,” “25 de Marzo,” “22 de Octubre,” and “Chokiza” were implicated.
- What is Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez’s stance on these illegal activities? She aims to regulate and legalize water trade, ensuring fair access for all citizens.
