Environmental Activists Warn of Impending Catastrophe with Mayan Train in Mexico
Environmental activists are sounding the alarm over the potential for a catastrophe between Cancun and Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo due to the construction of the Mayan Train on unstable ground. The warnings come after two years of activists raising concerns and being ignored by the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena).
Members of the #SélvamedelTren movement and other environmental collectives have been vocal about the train’s impact on caves, cenotes, and caverns in the area. They argue that building an elevated viaduct of reinforced concrete on piles has pierced through the underground formations and is not a viable solution to the porous and thin terrain.
Despite the warnings, Sedena recently admitted that a significant portion of the Mayan Train’s route is on hollow soil, requiring the construction of an elevated viaduct with reinforced concrete that has pierced through cenotes, caves, and underground rivers. This news has caused concern among environmentalists, especially in the face of plans to inaugurate the train in the coming months.
While President López Obrador remains determined to push forward with the project, environmentalists are demanding transparency in the studies and potential impacts of the train’s construction. They fear imminent collapses and irreparable contamination of the aquifer due to the drilling required for the installation of piles and other structures.
In addition to the environmental impact, activists have also raised concerns over the destruction of mangroves in the area, which could alter the water flow of the lagoon. Despite these concerns, the president has defended the stilt plan for the train, leading to further frustration among environmentalists.
The ongoing conflict between conservationists and government authorities raises questions about the future of the Mayan Train project and the potential consequences it may have on the environment and local communities. As construction continues, the debate surrounding the train’s impact is likely to intensify.