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Remodeling of Bahia de Chetumal suspended after unexplained felling of 75 trees

Chetumal, Q.R. — State authorities have closed a project in Chetumal after citizen complaints of numerous felled trees. In a report, the state government said they assume responsibility for the activities that included the demolition and felling of urban trees.

The government says the project has since been suspended after they attended multiple public complaints through social networks. The complaints showed “the events that occurred in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco where personnel from the Office of the Attorney for Environmental Protection appeared in the boulevard bahía, as it is known in the city of Chetumal, to carry out a visual inspection and assessment of what happened to draw up a record of the events.”

“Adhering to regulations, and based on the Law of Conservation, Maintenance, Protection and Development of Urban Trees of the State of Quintana Roo, the temporary closure of the activities of demolition and removal of the trees was carried out, until having accurate project information.”

“Seventy-five felled trees were counted, distributed in six species which include almond, coconut, sea grape, casuarina, leucocena and Washington palm, none of which, are protected species,” they reported.

In their press release, the government noted that the felled trees ranged in diameter from 10 cm to 84 cm.

“The Procurator for Environmental Protection will deal with local authorities to review the compliance with the regulatory instrument that dictates the origin of the felling and transplantation of the trees found in the urban area of the capital.

“The government of the state of Quintana Roo, through the Office of the Attorney for Environmental Protection, is investigating the events within the scope of its competence to issue the coercive measures or recommendations that proceed in accordance with the law,” the release stated.

For several days, residents of Chetumal have condemned the felling of the 75 seemingly healthy trees along the Bahia de Chetumal Boulevard. The city is in the process of a remodeling project. The trees removed from the area for the remodeling were supposed to be transplanted to another area.