Ceiba Tree Felling in Chetumal Sparks Outcry Over Possible Lack of Permit

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The felling of a large ceiba tree in the Centenario neighborhood has sparked outrage among local residents, who are questioning both the legality of the removal and the planning of the urban project underway in the area.

According to neighbors, the tree — notable for its size and environmental value — stood beside Mariano Angulo Street and was cut down on the afternoon of April 28 as part of clearing work linked to road widening and the expansion of new housing developments in that sector of the state capital.

Residents said that given its dimensions and location, the tree could have been incorporated into the urban design through technical alternatives that would have allowed its preservation, avoiding removal.

The ceiba is an emblematic species in the region and provides important ecological functions such as carbon capture, temperature regulation, and habitat for various species.

After the felling, neighbors requested information from the Othon P. Blanco municipal government about the permit for the removal, since the municipality is responsible for authorizing tree removal in urban areas. However, according to an official source within the municipality, there is no record of authorization for the clearing at that specific location, raising the possibility that the work was carried out without the required approval.

In response, residents are demanding that municipal and environmental authorities investigate the incident, verify whether current regulations were followed, and, if necessary, impose sanctions on those responsible.

An official from the State Environmental Protection Agency — which would normally oversee such matters — said the agency has no involvement with the issue, despite months of public campaigns promoting environmental protection.