Sarajevo Canton Declares "Warning" Episode: Outdoor Construction Banned, Trucks Restricted on Main Road!

(Patria) - At the proposal of the Expert Body, the Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of Sarajevo Canton has issued an order declaring the "Warning" episode for the entire canton.

This decision was made due to a significant increase in pollutant concentrations in the air, particularly PM10 particles, which reached average values of 200 µg/m³ at three monitoring stations (Otoka, Saraj Polje, and Bjelave) yesterday, corresponding to the thresholds for the "Alert" episode.

However, the synoptic situation indicates instability, and it was decided to postpone the declaration of this episode. Although occasional wind is slightly clearing the basin, it is not yet sufficient for a significant improvement in air quality. Given the possibility of further deterioration in the evening and in the coming days, the Expert Body will continuously monitor the situation. If the trend of high values continues without prospects of weather change, the "Alert" episode will follow.

Within the "Warning" episode, starting today, among other measures, traffic restrictions for cars and trucks with EURO2 or lower emission standards are in effect in Zone A (four city municipalities). Traffic for heavy goods vehicles (over 3.5 tons) is prohibited on the main city route from Baščaršija to Nedžarići, with redirection to alternative routes.

Outdoor construction work is strictly prohibited, and public gatherings are banned to protect public health.

All heating facilities over 50 kW using solid and liquid fuels are required to reduce room temperatures by at least 2ºC.

Starting tomorrow, children are prohibited from spending time outdoors (during long and short breaks), and physical education classes in schoolyards are also banned.

The pollution was exacerbated by stable weather conditions, weak winds, and temperature inversion. In addition to high PM10 particle values, exceeding the limit values for nitrogen dioxide (85µg/m³) was recorded at the Otoka station, a direct consequence of traffic emissions.

The Ministry urges citizens to follow the recommendations of the Public Health Institute and reduce outdoor activity, and reminds employers of their obligation to ensure the protection of workers who work outdoors.

We remind you that the current Intervention Measures Plan is in effect and available at the link: mkipgo.ks.gov.ba/mjere. A new, revised Plan will come into effect in a few days, after its publication in the Official Gazette of KS.