Introduction to the Atoyac River Restoration Project
The Government of Mexico’s commissioner for the Atoyac River sanitation, Alejandro Isauro Martínez Orozco, along with Puebla’s governor Alejandro Armenta, recently reported on the advancements of the Atoyac River restoration project. This initiative is part of the National Hydrological Plan aimed at revitalizing the Atoyac River basin.
Project Significance and Scope
- The project is considered one of the most significant undertakings during the current administration, as President Claudia Sheinbaum promotes an inclusive development model.
- The initial stages of the project involve cleaning and restoring two sections of the river, covering nine municipalities in Puebla.
Progress and Findings
During a morning press conference, Martínez Orozco explained that the initial actions include a diagnostic split into two sections of the river to develop technical solutions. He mentioned that in the first six kilometers, the water flowed clear, but subsequently discovered pollution sources.
He further reported that in the first tract, encompassing four municipalities, they identified 566 pollution sources contaminating the Atoyac River. This year, there are 234 million pesos allocated for public works, including 13 kilometers of collectors leading to Santa Rita Tlahuapan and collectors from Tlahuapan to Tlalancaleca.
Previous supervision efforts revealed 269 illegal dumpsites, 9,882 hectares of deforestation, 230 encroachments on federal land, 19 landslide sites, six septic tanks, 104 surface water concessions, 26 discharge permits, and 137 groundwater concessions.
Governor Armenta’s Perspective
In his address, Governor Armenta emphasized the importance of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s project, comparing current river pollution to the scale of corruption in the previous regime. He highlighted the state government’s efforts, such as the Fertipue project to revive Lake Valsequillo, as an inclusive development model.
He criticized the previous regime’s extractive approach, which left the river severely polluted and caused diseases among the population. In contrast, he praised the current administration’s research-driven, society-inclusive, and university-collaborative approach to addressing the pollution issue.
CEASPUE Director’s Update
Alberto Jiménez Merino, the general director of the Puebla State Water and Sanitation Commission (CEASPUE), reported that for tracts 1 and 2 of the Atoyac River basin, involving nine municipalities, 161 million pesos have been invested this year by the state and municipalities. This investment benefits 109,000 residents living along the river.
He highlighted the construction of three wastewater treatment plants, 409 biodigestors, and sanitation, drainage, and sewer collector systems, as well as dredging and reforestation efforts to aid natural aquifer recharge.
Plan Hídrico Estatal Coordinator’s Statement
Raymundo Atanacio Luna, coordinator of the state’s hydrological plan, acknowledged President Claudia Sheinbaum’s initiative and effort to rescue the Atoyac River, reaffirming her commitment (number 92). He mentioned that diagnostic studies in the 22 municipalities have initiated the first cleanup actions.
Secretary of Environment, Sustainable Development and Territorial Order Update
Rebeca Bañuelos Guadarrama, Secretary of Environment, Sustainable Development and Territorial Order, informed that through the FertiPue project, they are working on utilizing water lilies in Lake Valsequillo. A pilot project has collected 12 tons of water lilies for analysis, aiming to secure a registration for soil amendment.
She also mentioned that the reforestation project in the first section of the Atoyac River aims to plant 1.5 million trees, benefiting 1,850 hectares. So far, 100,000 plants have been distributed for reforestation in 101.5 hectares, with a total investment of 42.7 million pesos.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Atoyac River Restoration Project? It’s a part of Mexico’s National Hydrological Plan, aiming to revitalize the Atoyac River basin in Puebla.
- Who are the key figures involved? The project involves the Government of Mexico’s commissioner for Atoyac River sanitation, Alejandro Isauro Martínez Orozco, Puebla’s Governor Alejandro Armenta, and various state and federal entities.
- What are the project’s primary goals? The project aims to clean, restore, and develop technical solutions for pollution sources in the Atoyac River basin.
- What is the significance of this project? It’s considered one of the most significant undertakings during the current administration, promoting an inclusive development model.
- What are the recent developments in the project? There have been discoveries of pollution sources, investments in infrastructure, and ongoing cleanup efforts.
