The Zirahuén community in the municipality of Salvador Escalante is facing a crisis due to the decrease in the level of Lake Zirahuén, which has dropped by up to three meters, according to community members. This situation affects approximately 60% of the local population, who depend economically on the lake, whether through fishing, tourism or gastronomy.
The Fishermen’s Union, in particular, has worked hard to conserve the lake, implementing measures such as banning motorboats and using latrines in homes to prevent pollution.
Despite these efforts, the community is seeking for the government to pay attention to their needs and take measures to preserve the lake. García emphasized the importance of new generations knowing and appreciating the lake, a central element in the lives of the inhabitants since their childhood.
Lake Zirahuén, known for its characteristic blue hue, continues to attract tourists, who have expressed concern about the decrease in the water level. Visitors have urged the community to take action to prevent the lake from suffering the same fate as other bodies of water in the state of Michoacán, such as the lakes of Pátzcuaro and Cuitzeo, where illegal water extraction activities have been reported.
This is the reason why Lake Zirahuén is at risk of disappearing
The main reason for the decrease in water in Lake Zirahuén is the lack of rain that the region has experienced. In addition to this, throughout this year various illegal taps have been reported that have affected the low water level. In April, the Public Security Secretariat closed three illegal taps in different parts of the lake. It is reported that in total about 200 thousand liters were extracted in eight hours.
Another of the causes was reported by Milenio, according to its report that organized crime, politicians and businessmen have stolen water from Lake Zirahuén. Nearly 5,941 illegal avocado orchards have been irrigated with the lake’s liquid. Flor Esmeralda Árciga reported to the media that Felipe Calderón had an orchard in the area and currently they no longer know anything about the former president’s lands.
Source: infobae
