Mexican judge suspends Uxpanapa-La Cangrejera aqueduct construction

A federal judge in Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, has granted a definitive suspension for the construction of the Uxpanapa-La Cangrejera aqueduct. The ruling requires federal authorities to conduct comprehensive technical and environmental studies before any further work can proceed.

The legal challenge was initiated by communities in the Uxpanapa River Basin, specifically Santa María Chimalapa in Oaxaca, as well as Las Choapas and Uxpanapa in Veracruz. Protesters argued that the project, intended to supply water to Coatzacoalcos and regional petrochemical complexes, would cause severe environmental and social damage to the region.

The judge determined that the environmental impact study previously submitted by authorities was insufficient, noting it only addressed the lower basin and failed to consider the impact on the Chimalapas region. This legal setback comes as President Claudia Sheinbaum prepares to visit Veracruz.