Puente Mesa Dam Falls at Night Amid Controversy and Opacity
The Duero Hydrographic Confederation (CHD) has proceeded to demolish the historic Puente Mesa dam, located in the province of Segovia. The official arguments are based on legal aspects, as the structure is in the public hydraulic domain without a concession, and technical aspects, considering it a danger to the normal flow of water. This measure clashes head-on with previous statements from officials who assured that the reservoir would be rehabilitated, not eliminated. The operation was carried out during the early hours of the morning, a fact that has prevented residents from organizing any type of response and has raised blisters for acting stealthily. 🏗️💥
The Official Justification Fails to Calm Tempers
The technical and safety reasons put forward by the basin agency have not managed to persuade the local community or the groups defending the heritage. These groups argue that it was feasible to preserve and repair the old structure without it posing a serious threat. The fact that the affected town councils and neighbors did not receive prior information has fueled the perception that the entire process has been handled with a lack of clarity. The CHD does not explain what prompted the radical change of plan, going from a promised restoration to a sudden demolition.
Key Points of the Controversy:- The demolition was carried out at night, hindering citizen reaction.
- There is a palpable contradiction between the promises to restore and the final action of demolishing.
- Communication with local authorities and residents was practically nil.
It seems that some understand transparency as something that should only be applied when the sun comes up.
Suspicions About the Real Motives Grow
This case leaves a bitter taste and many unanswered questions about what the real impulses behind the decision were. There is speculation about the possibility of internal pressure within the administration, the desire to avoid a social confrontation, or an overly rigid application of regulations. However, the reason why it was acted against previous commitments and the darkness of the night was chosen to do it remains unclear. This information vacuum surrounds the event with suspicions of arbitrariness or an attempt to hide some relevant detail.
Possible Factors Behind the Decision:- Administrative pressure or changes in the CHD's internal criteria.
- An extremely strict interpretation of water law.
- The intention to avoid public debate and possible organized protests.
A Worrying Precedent for Heritage
The demolition of the Puente Mesa dam goes beyond the specific case and sets an alarming precedent regarding how hydraulic heritage is managed and the relationship with communities. The institutional distrust generated is deep, and it reveals a gap between administrative procedures and citizen participation. The lesson from this episode is the urgent need for actions on the territory, especially when involving assets with historical value, to be carried out with maximum clarity and respect for dialogue, without the night serving as a curtain. 🌉👁️