Environmentalists horrified by Mexico's Yucatán railway project "Tren Maya"

The cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula were considered sacred by the ancient Maya, who believed they were portals to the gods of the underworld. These underground caves are home to one of the most well-preserved freshwater ecosystems in Latin America. However, the tranquility of the cenotes is being disrupted by the construction of the Tren Maya, a partially-elevated rail link that is part of the Mexican president's infrastructure project. The network will span 1,500km (930 miles) from Chiapas state to the border with Belize, with the aim of promoting tourism and development in the region. The project has faced numerous challenges, including going significantly over budget. Environmentalists are deeply concerned about the deforestation along the train route, which is destroying the habitats of various species. Activists from a group called "Sélvame del Tren" have taken us into the tunnels and caverns to show the impact on the region's pristine waters. They worry that the pollution caused by the train project will have long-lasting consequences for the cenotes and the surrounding ecosystems. As we explore the underground maze, experts point out how the karstic topography is being damaged by cement dust, which is clogging the stalactites and affecting water quality. The Tren Maya has also divided communities, with some villagers benefiting from compensation for their land while others have lost their fields to the construction without compensation. Despite concerns about the safety and impact of the project, the director of the Tren Maya insists that it was built to rigorous standards and will be safe for passengers. President López Obrador sees the train as part of a wider plan to revive Mexico's train services and boost national development. However, critics worry that the rush to develop could lead to the destruction of the hidden treasures of the Yucatán Peninsula.