Environmentalists Push for Fines Over Maya Train Cenote Damage

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — A federal judge in Yucatán has unblocked a legal case seeking sanctions from Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) for damage caused to the Dama Blanca cave, located along the Tren Maya’s Section 5 South route in Playa del Carmen. Environmentalists allege that portions of the cave, home to the endemic blind fish species known as the "white lady," were filled during construction of the rail project in 2023.

Legal Battle Advances as Hearing Nears

Irma Morales Cruz, an attorney with the civil association Defendiendo el Derecho a un Medio Ambiente Sano (DMAS), confirmed that a constitutional hearing for the case will take place in June. This marks the final procedural step in an amparo (constitutional protection) lawsuit, after which a ruling could compel Profepa to inspect the site and penalize those responsible for the damage.

“We demand that Profepa sanction those responsible for filling cenotes and caverns in Section 5 South. This stems from non-compliance with the environmental impact authorization conditions for the project. Specifically, Dama Blanca, which is now partially filled,” Morales Cruz stated.

Authorities Named in Lawsuit

The legal proceedings identify Fonatur Tren Maya, a para-state company representing the federal government during much of the Tren Maya’s construction, as the authority responsible for the environmental harm. The amparo lawsuit, filed under case number 773/2023, had been stalled after federal agencies filed appeals. However, these were recently dismissed, allowing the case to proceed.

The Dama Blanca cave, situated approximately seven kilometers southeast of Playa del Carmen’s city center, was reportedly damaged during construction. DMAS initially filed a public complaint with Profepa, but the agency refused to conduct an inspection, prompting the amparo lawsuit. Advocates expect a verdict soon.

The outcome could set a precedent for enforcing environmental protections in the region, where cenotes and underground ecosystems face increasing threats from development projects.