Air Quality 'Warning' Declared in Sarajevo Due to Deterioration: Reduce Activity, Use Public Transport Instead of Cars

(Patria) - The Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of Sarajevo Canton, based on the Intervention Measures Plan for cases of excessive air pollution, has issued an Order declaring the 'Warning' episode in zones A, B, and C of Sarajevo Canton. Specifically, this applies to the areas of the municipalities of Stari Grad, Centar, Novo Sarajevo, Novi Grad, Ilidža, Vogošća, and Ilijaš, while Hadžići are an exception due to better air quality conditions.

The decision was made based on the Report of the Expert Body for Coordination and Supervision, according to which extremely high concentrations of PM10 particulate matter were recorded on January 13 and 14, 2026, significantly exceeding permissible limit values at several monitoring stations.

Concentrations of particles requiring the introduction of special measures were recorded at the Saraj Polje, Otoka, Ilijaš, Ilidža, and Vogošća stations. Additionally, exceedances of the daily limit value for nitrogen dioxide were recorded at the Otoka and Saraj Polje monitoring stations.

Unfavorable meteorological conditions, the presence of temperature inversion, weak winds, and a stable atmosphere contribute to the further accumulation of pollutants, which is why no significant improvement in air quality is expected in the coming days.

In accordance with the Intervention Measures Plan, the application of additional measures to reduce emissions and protect public health has been ordered, including, among others:

- Reducing heating temperatures in facilities with plants over 50 kW,
- Increased monitoring of vehicle technical compliance,
- Prohibition of construction work that produces dust, restriction of movement for vehicles over 3.5 tons on main city routes, prohibition of traffic for EURO 2 and lower category vehicles in zone A, measures to relieve traffic and public transport,
- Protection of outdoor workers with recommended protective masks,
- Warnings to at-risk population groups to reduce time spent outdoors.

The Ministry calls on citizens to comply with the imposed measures, to reduce the use of motor vehicles, to use public transport wherever possible, to use fuels that meet quality standards for heating facilities, and to protect their health, especially children, the elderly, and chronically ill individuals.

The air quality status will continue to be monitored on an hourly basis, and the public will be regularly informed of any changes.