Environmentalists warn that landfilling, encroachment, and land-use change continue to affect the main water sources that supply thousands of residents in San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
The wetlands and springs of La Kisst, Navajuelos, and María Eugenia, which cover approximately 225 hectares and are protected by the federal government, are currently facing severe damage due to drought and ongoing human activities that continue to degrade these natural areas in San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
These areas supply water to 70 percent of the city’s more than 250,000 residents; however, environmentalists have reported that they continue to be damaged by landfilling with rubble and land-use change for housing construction.
According to environmental activists, water levels have decreased considerably this year (2026) due to the dry season, a situation that could cause supply problems for thousands of users in the Jovel Valley.
León Enrique Aguilar Romero, an environmentalist in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, explained in a previous interview that 2026 could see one of the worst droughts in Mexico’s history. He called on authorities at all three levels of government to strengthen the protection of springs and prevent authorizations for land-use changes in these natural areas.
He indicated that, although wetlands usually recover partially during the rainy season, the main problem continues to be the destruction caused by the population itself.
“It is necessary to arrest those who are destroying springs in the act. Authorities have detected people filling in wetlands; they are arrested, but later released,” he stated.
Environmentalists reiterated that these natural areas are fundamental for the city’s water supply, although for several years they have suffered a decrease in this vital resource due to being filled with tons of rubble and unregulated urban growth.
For its part, the Municipal Water and Sewerage System (SAPAM) reported that the current drought has caused damage at various water intake points.
It detailed that the water levels in the Peje de Oro, La Kisst, La Almolonga, Navajuelos, and La Hormiga springs have registered considerably low levels, a situation that has forced intermittent shutdowns of the pumping equipment.
Finally, environmentalists again urged citizens to protect the environment, report any encroachment or illegal filling in the wetlands, and demand sanctions against those who destroy these protected natural areas.
They also asked the authorities to reinforce patrols and protection measures, noting that the wetlands and springs of San Cristóbal have federal protection due to their environmental importance and the role they play in supplying water to thousands of families.
Source: oem
