Environmental Group Expands Injunction Against Road Over Sac Actún System in Tulum

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Environmental group Sélvame MX has expanded its legal challenge to the construction of a road across the ejido Jacinto Pat in Tulum, arguing that the federal company behind the project lacks the authority to build highways.

The organization filed its new arguments before the Fifth District Court, focusing on the legal powers of Tren Maya, the state-owned company created to develop railway infrastructure. The court will now determine whether the company has jurisdiction to carry out road construction.

Lawyer Raúl Aldama Gavilán, who represents Sélvame MX, said the road is being built over a section of the Sac Actún system, one of the region’s most important underground river networks and a key source of fresh water for the area. The group alleges the project never underwent an environmental impact assessment appropriate to the terrain’s sensitivity.

Sélvame MX also pointed out that the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) posted closure orders on the works in April 2025, but claimed that construction continued despite the orders.

José Urbina Bravo, a cave diver and founder of Sélvame MX, warned that modifications to the ground could affect the underground rivers that supply fresh water to the zone. He also questioned the project’s classification as a so-called “sacacosechas” road, a designation that allowed it to receive an environmental exemption. According to Urbina Bravo, the road cuts through jungle and is more than 10 meters wide.

The injunction remains open while work on the road advances. Sélvame MX is asking the court to rule on the legality of the construction and on whether it complies with applicable environmental regulations.