Temacapulín, a small, historic town in Jalisco, Mexico, became the focal point of a prolonged struggle against a government infrastructure project. This community faced potential submersion due to the construction of a large dam, threatening its unique character and deeply rooted heritage. Its inhabitants were prompted to protect their home.
The Town of Temacapulín
Temacapulín is a colonial-era settlement in Jalisco, known for its traditional architecture, cobblestone streets, and quiet plazas. The town’s name, derived from the Náhuatl word “Temaxcalli,” means “thermal bath,” highlighting its connection to natural hot springs that draw visitors seeking therapeutic waters.
Before the dam controversy, daily life in Temacapulín revolved around its close-knit community and the surrounding natural environment. The Verde River, which runs near the town, contributes to a verdant landscape and supports outdoor activities. The area is part of a productive agricultural region, with local traditions including an annual Chile de Árbol Fair. The town was designated a “magical town” in 2023, underscoring its cultural richness.
The El Zapotillo Dam Project
The El Zapotillo Dam project was conceived to address water supply needs for the metropolitan areas of Guadalajara and León. This large-scale endeavor, involving government entities like the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) and construction firms such as FCC, aimed to harness the waters of the Verde River. The initial design proposed a 105-meter dam, intending to create a reservoir with a capacity of 910 cubic hectometers.
The dam’s original plan called for the flooding of three communities: Temacapulín, along with the smaller villages of Acasico and Palmarejo. These towns were located within the projected reservoir area. Authorities presented the project as a solution to a hydrological deficit in the region, seeking to secure water resources for urban and industrial growth. The project’s significant investment, initially estimated at $3.6 billion, underscored its ambitious scope.
Community Resistance and Legal Battles
In 2005, Temacapulín residents began to organize against the threat of losing their homes and heritage. This resistance movement quickly gained momentum, leading to the formation of community groups such as the “Comité Salvemos Temacapulín, Acasico y Palmarejo.” The community’s efforts included peaceful protests, marches, and sit-ins, notably a week-long occupation of the dam construction site in 2011.
The community pursued extensive legal strategies, filing appeals with national and international courts and human rights commissions. They argued against the dam’s legality and necessity, emphasizing human rights violations and environmental impact on the Verde River basin. Supporting organizations like the Mexican Institute for Community Development (IMDEC), UN Human Rights, and the Mexican Movement of Dam Affected People and in Defense of Rivers (MAPDER) provided crucial assistance, helping to amplify the community’s voice. Key figures like Doña María Abigail Agredano Sánchez and former priest Gabriel Espinoza became prominent advocates for the cause.
The Dam’s Status and Temacapulín Today
After years of resistance, court rulings stipulated that the dam wall should not exceed 80 meters, a height that would spare Temacapulín from flooding. Despite these rulings, construction continued, with the dam reaching 80 meters, though builders aimed for the original 105-meter height that would have submerged the town.
In 2021, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador intervened, announcing major changes to the project. A compromise reduced the dam’s height from 105 meters to 40 meters. This decision prevented the flooding of Temacapulín, Acasico, and Palmarejo. The town remains inhabited, though its thermal waters have been disrupted, possibly due to ongoing dam work.
The Broader Implications
The Temacapulín case offers insights into environmental justice, community self-determination, and responsible infrastructure development. It underscores the capacity of organized communities to challenge large-scale government projects and influence outcomes. The prolonged struggle highlighted the importance of citizen participation and accountability in decision-making processes that affect local populations and their environment.
The resolution demonstrated that sustained resistance, coupled with legal and international support, can lead to modifications in projects that initially disregarded local rights. Temacapulín’s experience emphasizes the need for comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments before initiating large developments. The community’s experience serves as a testament to the enduring power of collective action in safeguarding cultural heritage and natural resources against powerful interests.