Alert declared in five Sarajevo Canton municipalities, additional intervention measures introduced: Public transport to be increased, ban on EURO3 vehicles

(Patria) - Due to excessive air pollution, the Sarajevo Canton Government has declared an 'Alert' episode in the zone encompassing the municipalities of Novi Grad, Novo Sarajevo, Centar, Stari Grad, and Ilidža, with the implementation of intervention measures. Measures from the 'Warning' episode remain in effect in the remaining municipalities.

The decision to declare an Alert was made by the Sarajevo Canton Government, based on the proposal of the relevant ministry and the Expert Body for Monitoring and Coordination of the Implementation of the Cantonal Plan of Intervention Measures in Cases of Excessive Air Pollution, which explained the reasons for declaring the Alert. The Expert Body's report emphasized that average daily PM10 values at the Bjelave measuring station exceeded 200 micrograms per cubic meter of particles, which is the threshold for declaring an Alert, and that according to the synoptic forecast, a stable weather situation is expected, which will contribute to the accumulation of particulate matter in the air. Other monitored pollutants do not show increased values.

High concentrations of PM10 are also being recorded today in a larger part of the Canton, and the situation is worsening during the evening hours.

By the Government's decision, those obligated to implement this plan are ordered to carry out the prescribed intervention measures aimed at protecting public health and reducing emissions of polluting particles. These include municipalities, relevant cantonal ministries of internal affairs, transport, education, the Cantonal Inspectorate Administration, public utility companies and institutes, legal and natural persons, business entities, combustion plants and technological plants, and heat energy producers.

During the Alert, all natural and legal persons are prohibited from driving cars and trucks whose engines have a EURO3 standard or lower. The Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Cantonal Inspectorate Administration are responsible for monitoring the implementation of this measure.

Furthermore, all technological processes that result in dust emissions into the air are temporarily halted, where technically feasible, i.e., if the technological processes allow for a halt. In cases where their complete halt is not possible due to the characteristics of the technological process, they must be reduced to a technical minimum. The Environmental Inspectorate of the Cantonal Inspectorate Administration is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this measure.

The Alert episode also prescribes the maximum increase in the capacity of environmentally friendly public transport, as well as the provision of free public transport or subsidized tickets during the duration of this episode. The Ministry of Transport of the Sarajevo Canton is responsible for this measure.