The community of Telchac Puerto is embroiled in conflict following the recent blockade of a beach access point at the first entrance to the port of shelter. Erected without prior notice in the early hours of Tuesday, the metal fence and cyclone mesh barrier triggered outrage among residents, prompting them to report the incident to municipal authorities, as well as to the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).
Residents suspect the land was sold with the access road included, despite a 2022 injunction protecting the use of the street. Many believe that alleged owners, often from other states or abroad, are attempting to appropriate federal land.
Frustrated by the lack of immediate response from authorities, residents took matters into their own hands on Tuesday afternoon, dismantling and setting fire to the metal fence. This drastic action reflects the community’s growing exasperation with ongoing attempts to privatize beach access.
Locals have sought legal advice to support their right to free movement and prevent future blockades. According to the General Law of National Assets, reformed in 2020, all beaches in Mexico must have free public access.
This incident is not an isolated case. In Telchac Puerto, property owners, particularly foreigners, have previously tried to restrict beach access, claiming the streets or beachfronts as their property.
The community has demanded immediate intervention from Profepa and Semarnat to investigate the case and ensure the access road remains open. Residents have vowed to continue organizing to defend their right to free beach access and prevent any illegal restrictions.
This conflict in Telchac Puerto highlights a broader issue in Yucatán’s coastal areas, where real estate development and the influx of external investors have sparked disputes with local communities. Resolving such situations will require citizen pressure and robust law enforcement to maintain public access to shared spaces.
Source: Noticaribe
