The Cadillal, one of the most important tourist destinations in Tucumán, is at the center of a growing environmental and urban planning concern. A technical report prepared by an interdisciplinary commission of the State revealed that more than 3,100 homes were built irregularly on 300 hectares of state-owned lands. Many of them are located in areas with environmental, archaeological, or critical infrastructure restrictions, and could be demolished.
The investigation, promoted by the State Prosecutor’s Office, raised alarms about the uncontrolled growth in this sector near the reservoir. The survey, requested by the Ministries of Government, Economy, and Interior, along with agencies such as Land Registry, Flora and Fauna, Water, Tourism, and Culture, confirmed that only two out of the 18 urban developments analyzed comply with current regulations: Loteo Abad and Villa Jardín, the latter built during the military government in 1976.
The document warns that many homes occupy areas categorized as “red zones” by the Native Forest Law and the Territorial Planning Law, where construction is strictly prohibited. Among the most critical cases are the Villa del Lago neighborhood, with 99 homes—some made of materials—on a peninsula in a red zone, and the Torres Espeche subdivision, with over 200 homes, 50 of which are located in strictly conservation areas.
Additionally, the Land Registry reported over 800 cases of land usurpation, and constructions below the maximum reservoir level were detected, posing a serious risk of flooding. Urban conditions are equally concerning: streets barely three meters wide, with no access for ambulances or fire trucks, blocked roads, and limited basic services.
## Measures against irregular constructions
The government dissolved the Office of Land Regularization and Habitat after detecting irregularities in the land management of El Cadillal and created an executive unit to review the territorial situation throughout the province.
The report suggests preserving protected areas, redesigning road infrastructure, and regularizing tourist spaces. However, real estate growth in El Cadillal continues unchecked, highlighting a broader issue: the informal urban sprawl on sensitive territories without state planning or control, endangering the environmental and legal balance in Tucumán.
## Consequences of informal urbanization
Informal urbanization can negatively impact the environment in various ways, including:
– Habitat loss: Urban expansion destroys forests, farmlands, and other natural ecosystems.
– Pollution: Urbanization generates air, water, and soil pollution.
– Increased greenhouse gas emissions: Energy consumption and transportation produce more greenhouse gas emissions.
– Inadequate waste management: Lack of waste collection poses health risks.
– Heat islands: Loss of green spaces and the greenhouse effect increase heat in cities.
– Environmental disasters: Urbanization can increase the risk of disasters like floods.
– Biodiversity loss: Habitat loss reduces space for native species.
– Deforestation: Rapid city growth leads to deforestation and soil cover loss.
To reduce the impact of urbanization on the environment, measures can be taken such as:
– Promoting the use of alternative energies and transportation systems
– Improving waste management
– Including care for green spaces in urban planning
– Planting trees
– Reducing air pollution
Source: Contexto Tucumán.
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