KS Government Adopts Revised Plan of Intervention Measures During Episodes of Excessive Air Pollution

(Patria) - At the proposal of the Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection, the Sarajevo Canton Government yesterday adopted a revised Plan of Intervention Measures in cases of excessive air pollution.

The adoption of a Plan of this nature is a legal obligation, and its purpose is to pre-determine procedures, participants in its implementation and their responsibilities, as well as measures targeting the largest sources of pollution – the heating and transport sectors, with industry ranking third.

The Plan is applied during "Warning" and "Alert" episodes, based on multiple parameters and reports from the Expert Body, which consists of representatives from the Ministry, the Public Health Institute, the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, and experts in this field. The greatest effects in the Plan's implementation can be achieved by measures aimed at the transport sector, while expectations from the heating sector are lower due to the lack of oversight of domestic heating and the influence of factors such as boiler position, temperature inversion, etc.

The current Plan of Intervention Measures was adopted in November 2023. In the meantime, the new Law on Air Protection of the FBiH was adopted, which deals with issues related to intervention plans in more detail and establishes sanctions for non-implementation of measures.

The competent cantonal ministry is continuously seeking the most adequate and best solutions to make the Plan's implementation more effective and, in this regard, is cooperating with other European cities that have similar air pollution problems.

The Ministry has prepared an innovative Plan of Intervention Measures in cases of excessive air pollution in Sarajevo Canton, in which the main novelties, compared to the current Plan, are reflected in the following:

- Proposals from the Expert Body regarding the more detailed definition of meteorological conditions as factors influencing air pollution levels and the declaration of episodes have been accepted.
- At the proposal of the KS Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, measures have been introduced to postpone the start of classes with shortened lessons in primary and secondary schools, postpone children's arrival at kindergartens, and recommendations have been given to employers to allow employees to arrive at work later so that parents can bring their children to kindergartens/schools.
- The measure of organizing online educational processes for higher education institutions during the Alert episode is foreseen.
- Better conditions have been created for ensuring free public transport, and it is also foreseen that the Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection can finance/co-finance such a measure, if necessary.
- The financing of the Operational Plan of KJKP "Rad" has been established, not only during the declaration of episodes but also in the implementation of continuous measures for more intensive washing and cleaning of roads during the period of the Plan's application. This measure, which is also applied in other European cities, shows effectiveness in reducing harmful particles by seven to 10 percent.
- The obligations of the operational teams of the municipalities have been defined in more detail. The obligations of legal and natural persons, economic entities, and emission operators towards the operational teams of the competent municipalities have been prescribed more precisely.

As emphasized by the Ministry, more responsible behavior from all subjects implementing the Plan is necessary. Furthermore, the Plan of Intervention Measures must not be confused with strategic and long-term plans adopted and prepared by Sarajevo Canton to improve air quality. This goal requires time, significant financial resources, and above all, work at all levels of government responsible for the sectors that affect air quality, which are energy, urban planning, transport, and industry.

The more we act systemically, the less need there will be to apply the Plan of Intervention Measures, the Ministry states.

The revised text of the Plan of Intervention Measures will be in effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette of KS, when it will also be available on the official website of the Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of KS.