The Specialized Environmental Crimes Prosecutor's Office of Villarrica, led by prosecutor Jadiyi Ortiz, is investigating alleged irregularities in drainage works carried out on a rural property in the San Agustín community, Paso Yobái district, Guairá department. The intervention occurred after residents alerted authorities to possible environmental impacts on a wetland on the property.
According to reports from neighbors, a group of businessmen allegedly intended to use the property for soybean cultivation and, to that end, began drainage works to divert a natural watercourse that feeds the wetland. Residents expressed concern that the works could dry out the ecosystem, which enjoys special protection under Paraguayan environmental law. The activities were attributed to Flaminio Villalba, on a property belonging to Guillermo Rolón.
Prosecutor Ortiz explained that there was no initial formal complaint, but the situation was reported based on residents' concerns. Police went to the site and prepared a report forwarded to the Environmental Prosecutor's Office, while Mades technicians also conducted inspections. Subsequently, the prosecutor's office obtained a search and seizure warrant to inspect the property.
During the operation, authorities found drainage works connected to a watercourse and carried out within a wetland zone. According to Ortiz, those responsible for the agricultural operation hold an environmental license issued by Mades that authorizes certain drainage works, but the works apparently far exceed the authorized extent. The investigation seeks to determine whether there was non-compliance with the environmental impact mitigation measures stipulated in the license and whether environmental crimes were committed.
The prosecutor noted that wetlands have special protection under Paraguayan law due to their ecological role in water regulation and environmental conservation.