Environmental concerns surrounding rivers in the Huasteca Region have reached alarming levels, as indicated by the dire state of the Axtla River. Threatened by pollution from wastewater discharges, agricultural runoff, and garbage, the river is prompting urgent interventions from the community. To address these issues, a forum titled "Cuidado y Protección Comunitaria de los Ríos de la Huasteca" will take place next Sunday at 10 AM at the Parque-Museo del Agua UNUB. The forum aims to rally community support and establish initiatives for the river's restoration.
The event will feature participation from key stakeholders, including researchers from the Colegio de San Luis (COLSAN) and the Coordinadora de Organizaciones Campesinas Indígenas de la Huasteca (COCIPH), alongside representatives from the Contraloría Autónoma del Agua de San Luis Potosí (CAASLP). These organizations are expected to provide important insights and engage the community through discussions aimed at restoring the river’s health.
Authorities have noted the river's significance for local communities, which not only rely on its waters for drinking but also benefit from the tourist attractions it hosts. The degradation of the Axtla River has severely impacted local flora and fauna, raising concerns about the long-term economic repercussions of the river's condition.
Across the region, the Valles river also faces serious threats due to mismanagement and over-extraction of water for agricultural purposes. Darío González Castillo, director of the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) for San Luis Potosí, spearheaded two pivotal meetings to address this crisis. These meetings gathered mayors from nearby municipalities, agricultural producers, and other stakeholders to discuss urgent measures for water conservation.
One of the central issues identified was the diversion of the river’s flow, particularly affecting the El Naranjo area, where the river was redirected, resulting in complete water loss for Ciudad Valles. González Castillo pointed out the need for more sustainable irrigation practices to combat the severe water stress experienced by the region. He emphasized, "Este tipo de prácticas no pueden continuar," calling for immediate action to rectify the situation.
During discussions, the focus turned to proposals for creating reservoirs and dams as alternative solutions to water supply threats, dismissing the possibility of sinking new wells due to the area’s geological characteristics. The discussions also ushered the implementation of water management measures, including the establishment of status monitoring for river conditions according to hydrometeorological conditions.
It was notable, though, during these meetings, many agricultural producers, who are among the primary contributors to the problem, did not attend, which was interpreted as resistance to the proposed changes. Gonzalez Castillo made it clear to these producers, reiteratively stating, "Deberán acatar las disposiciones de CONAGUA sin excepción," reinforcing the authority of CONAGUA and the legal obligations of the stakeholders involved.
Evidence of illegal water pooling was observed, particularly during aerial inspections of the river Gallinas basin. Such practices prevent the natural flow of water to significant attractions like the Tamul waterfall. To tackle such illegal activities, CONAGUA has declared they will suspend agricultural irrigation activities from March 6 to 28 as a warning to those who persist.
The crisis of water supply management is not merely speculative but has developed as an immediate reality requiring decisive action. With the economy of the Huasteca region heavily reliant on its natural resources, maintaining the health of its rivers is imperative not only for sustaining the environment but also for the economic vitality of the communities depending on them.
This onwards push indicates the potential for community-led initiatives to rejuvenate and secure the health of Huasteca's precious water bodies. Activists and local residents are now tasked with mobilizing collective efforts to advocate for the cause. The expected outcomes of the forum could establish stronger administrative frameworks aimed at cooperative management of shared water resources, integrating grassroots levels, government stakeholders, and civil society.