Judge Revoked Three Definitive Mayan Train Suspensions

After months of legal struggles, a judge revoked three definitive suspensions regarding Section 5 of the Mayan Train’s works. The decision paves the way for authorities to continue constructing the project that aims to connect touristic hubs in the south of Mexico.

Yucatan’s First District Judge Fernando Novelo lifted the suspensions that were granted in late May. Novelo had previously granted a definitive suspension in a hearing promoted by the Defending the Right for a Healthy Environment (DMA) civil organization and inhabitants of the Solidaridad municipality. These amparos stopped construction works at Section 5, which goes from Tulum to Cancun. 

Javier May, Director General, National Fund for Tourism Development (FONATUR) celebrated the court’s decision and assured that the project always followed the legal procedures, so work will continue as soon as possible. “Good news for the people! Definitive suspensions from the amparos 884/2022, 923/2022 and 1003/2022 regarding Section 5 of the Mayan Train were revoked… the project was always legal, we merely comply with the judge’s requirements to not leave any doubts,” said May on Twitter. 

May added that the project still needs to challenge three further amparos, but did not provide details about these lawsuits. On May 9, 2022, a hearing was scheduled for the 884/2022 amparo, when Novelo is to evaluate new proof and report regarding the continuation of works. The remaining two provisional suspensions were granted in the 820/2022 and 821/2022 amparos promoted by citizen Tania Ramírez and Cenote Republic civil association respectively. 

After the judge’s decision was made public, DMAS stated that the decision leaves the environment defenseless since it accepts the validity of an ambiguous impromptu Environmental Impact Assessment (MIA). The organization added that it would sue the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) for granting the tardy MIA. “It is contrary not just to the law that regulates the environmental impact equilibrium but also to the federal law and environmental regulation programs,” the organization stated. 

Several organizations and activists have been fighting against the alleged environmental damage the project is causing. Several associations are completely against the project, whereas others consider it to be a booster for the region’s economy but oppose the government's procedures, which they say do not comply with environmental regulation. The Sélvame del Tren collective urged President López Obrador to visit Section 5’s surroundings, talk with specialists and change the route to avoid damaging the environment. “Four months ago, we respectfully asked [you] to visit Section 5 area to see the natural wonders underground and see the destruction of the jungle,” said the collective in a statement addressed to López Obrador.