The Matanza-Riachuelo River, which runs 64 kilometers from the Province of Buenos Aires to its mouth at the Río de la Plata, was for decades a synonym of extreme pollution.
Sewage, industrial waste, and household garbage turned its course into a symbol of environmental neglect.
A lawsuit that marked a turning point
The Supreme Court ruling drove the state commitment to recover the basin.
In 2004, the legal case initiated by Beatriz Mendoza against the national government, the Province, and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires resulted in a historic ruling by the Supreme Court of Justice, which ordered the environmental restoration of the area.
Since then, organizations like Acumar began to coordinate cleaning and recovery actions.
Cleaning of the water surface: visible and sustained improvements
The collection of floating waste and odor control show progress in emblematic sectors.
Although deep sanitation requires investment and specialized machinery, surface cleaning already generates positive impacts.
In areas like Vuelta de Rocha in the neighborhood of La Boca, there is less floating garbage and a notable reduction of the nauseating smell that once characterized the coast.
Technology for more efficient cleaning
To reinforce sanitation tasks, the Buenos Aires government presented a modern catamaran capable of collecting up to 2000 kilos of waste, compared to the 500 kilos collected by previous models.
Minister Ignacio Baistrocchi highlighted that the new equipment optimizes fuel usage and works in conjunction with existing vessels, improving operational efficiency.
Classification and destination of waste
The waste extracted from the river is classified and sent to recycling centers or to Ceamse, according to its composition.
Since the start of the sanitation process, more than 5000 tons of garbage have been removed, with a monthly average of between 60 and 120 tons, depending on weather and operational conditions.
Recovery of fauna and public space
Environmental improvement allowed the return of species and citizen reappropriation of the riverside.
According to Baistrocchi, in the Riachuelo area bordering La Boca, recovered fauna such as shads and small gallinules can already be observed.
Additionally, the riverbanks were cleared, and public spaces were enabled for the use of neighbors, in coordination with Acumar.
Environmental education and interjurisdictional challenges
One of the current main challenges is that people continue to throw garbage into the river.
Although the City carries out environmental education campaigns and provides differentiated containers, it cannot intervene in the margins belonging to the Province, where there is no active recovery plan.
“The problem is not what is removed, but what continues to be thrown,” the minister warned.
Restored navigability: a milestone in the transformation of the Riachuelo
One of the recent achievements was the restoration of navigability, allowing access to the river in areas where it was previously impossible.
This progress reinforces the idea that sanitation must continue, with a comprehensive approach combining technology, interjurisdictional management, and citizen participation.
Cover photo: Jaime Olivos
