Supreme Court stops monitoring pollution in Argentina's Matanza-Riachuelo basin

In Argentina, the Supreme Court has ruled to end its oversight of environmental compliance regarding the Matanza-Riachuelo basin, a river long plagued by severe pollution and environmental degradation. The river has acted as a dumping ground for over two centuries, impacting the health of millions of residents living in the surrounding area. Health reports reveal alarming statistics, indicating that 25% of local children were found to have lead in their blood, alongside widespread respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, directly associated with the river's pollution. While some improvements have been acknowledged by officials, community leaders argue that most changes have been merely cosmetic and that the river still suffers from a lack of attention to toxic waste management. The decision has sent shockwaves through the environmental community, prompting fears that without adequate oversight, industrial practices will worsen pollution levels. Previously, a governance body, Acumar, was responsible for cleanup efforts and inspections, and its compliance had been monitored by the court. Now that this supervision will cease, activists warn that local industries may neglect their responsibilities, leading to a resurgence of contaminated waste directly entering the river. Critics, such as Alfredo Alberti from the La Boca neighbourhood association, highlight the indifference of current political leadership towards environmental issues, suggesting that the court's ruling reflects a broader trend in national policy. President Javier Milei's past statements indicate a permissive attitude towards industrial pollution, further raising concerns about the environmental implications of the new ruling. Officials from Acumar maintain that despite reduced spending, they will continue their sanitation initiatives and inspections. Historically, the river has been regarded as one of the most polluted in the world, and while some residents acknowledge past improvements, many express skepticism about future cleanup efforts without judicial oversight. The court's abandonment of its monitoring duties may mark a pivotal moment in Argentina's environmental policy, signaling to the public and industries that environmental damage is no longer a priority.