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It was with 328 votes in favor, 131 against, in addition to 5 abstentions
Writing
MEXICO CITY.- The Chamber of Deputies generally approved the Water Law and the creation of the new General Water Lawwith 328 votes in favor, 131 against and 5 abstentions.
The discussion in the Lower House continued, after the closing of this edition, in particular, waiting for the session to be extended because 529 reservations will be discussed, of which the approval of at least 18 of them is expected.
The ruling, which incorporates 50 modifications to the presidential initiative, prohibits speculation and hoarding, and strengthens the role of the State in granting concessions.
Among the changes, the creation of the National Public Water Registrythe regulation of rainwater collection works and a National Water Reserve Fund to guarantee access to communities without concessions.
Despite the approval in the Lower House, the reform faces criticism from producers in the north of the country and the PRI, who accuse it of promoting a legislative passage without sufficient consultation or clarity about the new procedures to maintain historical rights over water.
BLOCKADES REACTIVATED
Movements of rural producers from several states of the country reactivated blockades on roads, booths and strategic sections, in rejection of the reform proposed in the National Water Law.
From the early hours of the morning, the group known as Alianza Agrícola Pu-Ve-Tax—with producers from Veracruz, Puebla and Tlaxcala—undertook the so-called “Great Caravan of Tractors for Water,” heading to the country’s capital. Their objective: to demonstrate in front of the Chamber of Deputies building, where the ruling on the Water Law was being discussed.
Federal highway authorities reported closures on at least ten highways and highways in the country, including: Acatzingo–Ciudad Mendoza Highway, Puebla–Orizaba, Mexico–Puebla, Guadalajara–Colima Highway, and La Barca–Atotonilco Free Highway, among other important routes.
DEMAND DIALOGUE
Farmers point out that the reform to National Water Law would put at risk concessions historical waters for agricultural use, as well as the recognition and transmission of water rights for communities and rural producers. They consider that the changes could severely affect agricultural production, land inheritance and food security.
They demand that their demands be taken into account before the law is approved and ask for dialogue tables.