The controversy of the Safe Transfer

The heavy rains of the month of March They have increased Reservoir levels. This news could be good news, but this relief It has not resolved Territorial conflicts around water. The controversy of the Tajo-Segura transfer returns again.

A recurring conflict. Since its inauguration 46 years ago, the transfer has allowed water supply In the area of ​​Southeast Spanishknown for your water shortage. However, climate change and growing demand They have generated Tensions between the receiving regions and the Tagus basin, which defends the need to conserve their own resources.

By regulations. The reservations in the reservoirs of the header of the Tagus, Entrepeñas and Buendía They have risen to level 1. so, According to the lawthis allows an automatic 60 Hm3 transfer to the Spanish southeast, benefiting Alicante, Murcia and Almería. According to Valencia Plaza has advancedEntrepeñas and Buendía reservoirs have accumulated 1,395 hm3, confirming level 1 and authorizes the maximum possible transfer according to current regulations.

But there will be some changes … However, the minister for ecological transition and demographic challenge, Sara Aagesen, has announced imminent changes in the operating rules of the transfer. Although it has not specified the details, the concern in the Levante is evident: they fear that these modifications will return access to water again, According to the Spanish.

And return to the controversy. Again, the irrigators of Alicante, Murcia and Almería have expressed their concern about the possibility that changes in the exploitation rules reduce the transfer even though the reservoirs have reached level 1, According to Valencia Plaza. In addition, Lucas Jiménez, president of the Central Irgent Union of the Tajo-Segura Aqueduct (SCRATs), has criticized in the same medium that, just when the maximum possible transfer is confirmed, the government wants to make modifications that could restrict the supply of water to the southeast.

The other face. From Castilla-La Mancha, the reaction is different. According to a study to which Spanish has had accessThe Chair of the Tajo of the University of Castilla-La Mancha has stressed that, although the reservoirs have reached level 1, it is essential to ensure sustainability of water resources for local communities before transferring water to other regions. Likewise, the Minister of Sustainable Development, Mercedes Gómez, has insisted that the reservoirs of Entrepeñas and Buendía should not be maintained in a situation of “exceptionality”, as established by the current regulations of the Tajo-Segura transfer, but must go to a situation of “normality”, As explained the truth.

In addition, the Manchega counselor has reiterated, that the exploitation rules of the transfer must be focused, mainly, supplying people with water, and not so much to industrial or agricultural development. In this sense, it has stressed that infrastructure has already been built in the receiving areas, Like desalinationwhich are available and have been financed by all Spanish citizens.

Forecasts. The future of the transfer remains uncertain. Although current regulations allow 60 HM3 sending in April, the possible modification of the rules could alter water management in the medium term. In addition, tensions between different regions show that the problem of water distribution in Spain is still unresolved. The debate on sustainable water management and adaptation to the effects of climate change will continue to mark water policy in the coming months.

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