Bad smells in an area between Cali and Candelaria motivated the community to block the road: this was the decision of the environmental authority

Residents near the route between Cali and Candelaria blocked a highway after complaints about foul odors prompted action from environmental authorities. The decision came following inspections conducted by officials from the Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Cauca Valley (CVC). On July 21, 2026, community members and citizen observers staged intermittent protests along the road, demanding stricter oversight over industrial activities they claimed were responsible for the unpleasant smells. The protesters, who gathered with signs reading “Basta ya de olores nauseabundos” (“Enough of these nauseating smells”), emphasized their concern for public health, particularly for children and adults living nearby. They called for measures against companies operating in the oil and fat refining sector, without calling for closure, but rather for immediate solutions aimed at protecting residents' well-being. Their actions were part of a broader effort to hold industries accountable for environmental impacts. In response to the growing concerns, the CVC issued a directive requiring a local refinery to halt all discharges, both treated and untreated, of domestic and non-domestic wastewater into the Subderivation 7.3 of the Fraile River, located in the El Carmelo area under the jurisdiction of Candelaria. This measure was taken following prior inspections and reports from citizens regarding offensive odors. The regional environmental office, known as the Direction Environmental Regional Suroriente, intensified its monitoring efforts in the area, conducting field visits and inspecting operations within the influence zone. According to the CVC’s official statement, the agency had already been carrying out routine checks and responding to environmental complaints before the recent blockage. The new order was part of a preventive action meant to address ongoing issues related to water quality and odor pollution. The authority confirmed that it had visited the site to ensure compliance with the suspension order and would continue its efforts to identify and regulate activities affecting the environment and local quality of life. While the CVC acknowledged the presence of foul odors in parts of Cali, it noted that there is currently no definitive technical evidence linking them solely to the El Carmelo sector. The agency stated that urban environmental authorities are still investigating the situation to determine the exact sources of the problem. This highlights the complexity of addressing such environmental concerns, which often involve multiple factors and potential contributors. Separately, attention has turned to the Zanjón del Burro wetland, a small forested area in the southern part of Cali. This ecological site, once part of a larger ecosystem, is home to diverse plant and animal species, including the guatín. Reports from the University of Valle's School of Natural Resources Engineering (Eidenar) describe the area as a relic of a more extensive natural system. Conservation efforts have long focused on preserving this unique habitat, which faces threats from urban expansion and industrial activity. The current incident underscores the challenges faced by communities and environmental agencies in balancing economic development with ecological protection. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that industrial practices comply with environmental standards while safeguarding public health and natural resources. The outcome of these efforts will likely shape future policies and enforcement strategies in the region.