PBI-Mexico accompanies Peoples’ Front in Defence of Land and Water at march against San Pedro Cholula landfill
On April 22, PBI-Mexico posted:
“Today, on International Mother Earth Day, we are accompanying the FPDTA-MPT [Peoples’ Front in Defence of Land and Water- Morelos, Puebla, Tlaxcala] in the March for Water and against the San Pedro Cholula landfill. At PBI Mexico we recognise the fundamental role that communities play in the non-violent resolution of conflicts, we express our concern for the possible environmental and health impacts that could result from the activity of this landfill, and we call for the necessary spaces for dialogue to be created, in good faith, between the communities and the institutions of Puebla to resolve this conflict.”
La Jornada de Oriente has explained:
“…There is evidence that the San Pedro intermunicipal landfill contaminates the region, nothing has been done to remedy the situation by the authorities.
[The landfill] is located just 300 meters from the Casas Garza housing complex and 600 meters from the Polytechnic University of Puebla (UPP).
The main point of contention [between affected residents and municipal authorities] centers on the expansion of the solid waste landfill, a proposal that has generated resistance and protests from local residents and environmental groups. It is argued by the villages that the expansion of the landfill could have significant negative impacts on the natural environment and the quality of life of nearby inhabitants.
Among the concerns raised by opponents of expansion are increased air and water pollution, as well as the potential risk of diseases associated with waste accumulation. In addition, it is pointed out that the expansion of the landfill could involve the expropriation of land and negatively affect the biodiversity of the area.
Environmental engineers who participated in a forum held at the Polytechnic University of Puebla on March 4 said that the San Pedro Cholula landfill violates federal restrictions and puts the health of thousands of residents at risk, because it was built near a populated area and on groundwater.
For her part, Nayeli Carreón Carmona, a specialist in sanitary landfills, said that at first glance the Cholula landfill does not comply with environmental standards, so it represents a ‘time bomb’ for the region.”
Esto es Cholula has also reported: “In an interview, Juan Carlos Flores [has] explained that the landfill in question provides service to 23 municipalities, several of which are the most populous in the state. He warned that it has exceeded its storage capacity and has begun to contaminate the wells that supply water to the communities of Calpan, Juan C. Bonilla and Cholula.”
PBI-Mexico has accompanied the Peoples’ Front since early 2020. In August 2022, that accompaniment was extended for another three years.
Further reading: PBI-Mexico accompanies Peoples’ Front in Defence of Land and Water at highway blockade at Cholula garbage dump (March 22, 2024)
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