The Regional Autonomous Corporation of Alto Magdalena (CAM) spoke out regarding the decrease in the levels of the Fortalecillas River as it passes through said district, in the north of Neiva, Huila.
DIARIO DEL HUILA, on January 30, through a complaint, made the problem known and today the CAM provided new details of the process that was carried out.
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According to the CAM, the current low flow is a consequence of the El Niño Phenomenon, and has been evidenced through measurements made at strategic points of the source. Given this situation, the CAM warns about the excessive and irregular use of water resources by some canals, which negatively affects the natural flow and availability of water.
The environmental entity also detailed that, despite the low availability of water, the La Florida and El Cequión canals are capturing 30% and 40% more of the concessioned flow.generating a harmful alteration to the natural flow and the river bed, in addition to a considerable depletion of the water resource as a natural source.
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According to the entity, Sanctioning processes are being carried out in accordance with Law 1333 of 2009, and so far 51 preventive measures have been imposed and they move forward 78 sanctioning processes for possible breaches of obligations established in the administrative act that regulated the Río Fortalecillas water source.
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The environmental authority called on the community to commit to the efficient use and saving of water, as well as to respect legally granted water concessions. In addition, he reminded people and companies with concessions of the importance of respecting the regulations and requirements established at the time of obtaining the water concession.
The CAM stressed that, despite its efforts in monitoring and control, the community’s commitment is essential to guarantee the sustainability of the water resource. The regulation of the Fortalecillas River was carried out in 2005 with the objective of equitably distributing water and ensuring its efficient use, protecting its hydrobiological and ecosystem conditions.