Curine njive and Bistrički potok: Drainage and controlled water discharge from landslide body performed

(Patria) - Employees of the Civil Protection Service of the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo, during a field visit to landslide locations in Sarajevo on June 5, determined that on Curine njive (Municipality of Istočni Stari Grad and Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo – Bostarići), significant geological changes were observed, including the formation of cracks due to atmospheric influences and soil fracturing (in the part of "Curine njive below the playground" – a part of the forest land).

In accordance with the Report on the work of the inter-institutional working group on assessing the situation at the Curine njive and Bistrički potok landslide sites with a proposal for intervention and permanent measures dated October 15, 2024, drainage and controlled discharge of water from the landslide body to the nearest recipient have been carried out. Due to atmospheric influences, erosion of parts of the land is present.

"A team of experts from the Institute for Geotechnics and Geological Engineering at the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Sarajevo is conducting geotechnical soil investigations, including the drilling of geological boreholes, to collect data necessary for assessing soil properties and developing a project for the remediation of the active landslide," it was announced.

The site has been assessed as critical due to intensive and dynamic geological processes and requires enhanced and continuous monitoring.

Knjeginjac (Municipality of Istočni Stari Grad) - no new dumping of construction material has been recorded. Settlement of existing landfill material has been observed with initial signs of erosion, indicating gradual soil consolidation and the influence of atmospheric factors. Water is still present in the lower part of the landfill, suggesting insufficient control of surface and groundwater.

"In accordance with the Report on the work of the inter-institutional working group on assessing the situation at the Curine njive and Bistrički potok landslide sites, works on drainage channels have been carried out at the site in question, ensuring effective surface water drainage," it is stated.

In the lower part of the landfill material, a team of experts from the Institute for Geotechnics and Geological Engineering at the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Sarajevo is conducting geotechnical soil investigations, including the drilling of geological boreholes, to collect data necessary for assessing soil properties and developing a project for the remediation of the active landslide.

Risk assessment - settlement of landfill material and increased erosion due to atmospheric influences.

Bistrički potok (Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo – Boguševac and Municipality of Istočni Stari Grad) - the stream bed is still partially blocked by earth-stone material and fallen trees. No new degradation has been recorded, nor have any activities been undertaken to remove existing obstacles.

The risk of flooding in case of heavy rainfall has increased, with sediment accumulation upstream of the blockage. In case of heavy rainfall, there is a possibility of bank erosion due to the altered water flow.

The Civil Protection Service regularly visits the settlements of Bostarići, Ablakovina, and Ablakovina čikma. Risk assessments and preparations for the potential relocation of residents to safer facilities, which will be provided by the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo, are underway, it was announced by the Federal Civil Protection Administration.