The town of **Río Mayo**, with **4,500 inhabitants** and located in the southwest of **Chubut**, is going through a situation that concerns the entire community: since **August 19**, access to the **homonymous river**, the main recreation and social gathering space, has been **closed by decision of the Mechanized Engineer Battalion 9**, dependent on the **Argentine Army**.
## A public space blocked in Chubut: the river as a meeting place
The west bank, historically used by residents, was closed without a provincial or municipal resolution to support it.
Although the town extends on both sides of the river, the **urban area is mainly located on the west side**, where the **military grounds** are situated.
Since the pandemic, the Army began to **intermittently restrict access** to carry out practices such as **building bridges, maneuvers with rubber boats, and zip line exercises**.
However, since August, the closure has become **permanent**, causing **concern with the arrival of summer**, when the river becomes more relevant as a [community space](https://noticiasambientales.com/compromiso-ambiental/plazas-con-paneles-solares-santa-fe-busca-embellecer-sus-espacios-verdes-y-cuidar-el-ambiente-a-traves-de-la-energia-solar/).
## Military arguments and institutional tensions
The Army justifies the closure for security reasons, but residents and authorities **question the legality of the measure**.
According to an official statement, the closure is due to an **incident with firearms** on August 17, [linked to **poaching**](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/investigan-en-chubut-una-red-de-caza-furtiva-por-hechos-reiterados-tras-efectuar-un-allanamiento/) near guard posts.
The Army considers that transit along the internal road represents a **risk for sentinels, facilities, and civilians**. However, **local residents and authorities** point out that the **riverbank is public domain**, according to the **Chubut Water Code**, and that the **Provincial Water Institute (IPA)** is the only authorized body to set its limits.
## Positions of the Deliberative Council and the governor
The municipality demands free access and orders public utility, but the conflict escalates between the provincial and national governments.
The **Deliberative Council of Río Mayo** maintains that riverside roads must be **freely accessible**, and that the municipality can **agree on access even to military grounds**.
**Governor Ignacio Torres** supported this position, stating that river access **falls under municipal jurisdiction**. However, the **lack of an official demarcation by the IPA** keeps the conflict ongoing.
“Today the dispute is between the provincial and national governments,” lamented **Silvia Muñoz**, president of the Council.
## Community impact and need for resolution
**The closure affects everyday life, spirituality, and the right to public space**.
Residents report that even those who stop to **pray at the Virgin’s hermitage** are asked to leave. The situation creates **discomfort, uncertainty, and a sense of intimidation**, especially due to the **dominant presence of the barracks in the urban area**.
