### Zahori’s Alarming Environmental Impact
The government, through the Secretary of the Environment led by Monica Vega, has once again intervened to partially close down the company Zahori following a massive fire at its facility located in the western part of the city. This incident resulted in significant pollution across the region. Zahori, owned by Federico Díaz Gallegos and Carlo Bonfante, a former Secretary of Economy under Francisco Vega de Lamadrid, has frequently been a point of contention due to its long-standing links to political power and its poor regulatory compliance.
According to official information from the Secretary of the Environment, Zahori has experienced ten fires between 2014 and now. Yet, it is only under the current administration that substantial penalties have been imposed. During Jaime Bonilla Valdez’s tenure, the company was temporarily closed due to pandemic restrictions and faced penalties for unpaid water service reconnection fees, but the issue did not gain much traction.
The current administration under Avila Olmeda has already imposed three sanctions in three years due to repeated health code violations following various fires. While it is commendable that steps are being taken to address pollution, it’s concerning that Zahori is not the sole perpetrator. Many other companies also contribute heavily to pollution but face fewer repercussions either due to technical challenges or a lack of inspection.
Around a year ago, PAN legislator Diego Echevarría introduced the State Law on Environmental Responsibility, aiming to synchronize local penalty frameworks with federal guidelines. This law would shift the burden of proof onto the accused companies whenever accusations of environmental misconduct are raised. Despite its potential to empower citizens to report health hazards caused by industrial pollution, the legislative progress has stalled due to inaction in the State Congress.
Given the global concern about climate change and local environmental issues, it’s vital that both state and federal governments enforce stricter pollution controls. The air quality in Mexicali, Playas de Tijuana, and Ensenada cannot continue to deteriorate without significant action. Whether Zahori will be allowed to resume full operations remains uncertain, but it’s imperative to remember that they are not alone—many other companies, including livestock and tech industries, also face similar issues.
### Related News: Fire Incident at Major Tech Company Raises Environmental Concerns
In a recent incident reminiscent of Zahori’s environmental troubles, a tech company in the Baja California region experienced a significant fire, resulting in increased pollution levels. This incident has led to calls for stricter industrial regulations and better fire safety protocols.
Concerned residents have raised alarms about the potential health impacts, urging the government to take immediate action. Environmental organizations echo these calls, emphasizing that consistent and thorough inspections are necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the community grapples with the repercussions, it’s clear that a comprehensive strategy to address industrial pollution is sorely needed. Strengthening environmental laws and ensuring rigorous enforcement will be crucial steps in safeguarding the region’s air quality and public health.
Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing issue and more news on environmental policies impacting the Baja California region at TJGringo.com.