Government of Sarajevo Canton declares 'Alert' episode in four city municipalities and the area of Ilidža due to polluted air

(Patria) - At the proposal of the Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection, the Government of Sarajevo Canton adopted a decision declaring an 'Alert' episode for Zone A (Novi Grad, Centar, Stari Grad, Novo Sarajevo and Ilidža), while in zones B and C the 'Warning' episode remains in effect.

This decision was made following a report by the Expert Body that analyzes the situation based on measured values of pollutants and the weather forecast for the coming days.

According to measurements in the urban core of the city:
• Zone A (Otoka and Saraj Polje): Daily average concentrations of PM10 particles exceeded the threshold of 200 µg/m³.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): High NO2 values were recorded at the Otoka station.

The synoptic situation predicts a lack of wind in the coming days, the presence of temperature inversion primarily in the morning and evening hours, as well as the occurrence of fog, which will contribute to the continued accumulation of pollutants in the basin parts of the Canton.

In accordance with the Plan of Emergency Measures in Cases of Excessive Air Pollution, the following restrictions come into effect in Zone A:

- A ban on the movement of cars and trucks with engines of EURO 3 standard and lower. Exempted are vehicles of the Ministry of Interior, inspection, defense, public transport, utility companies, vehicles with diplomatic plates, vehicles of persons with disabilities, taxi vehicles, as well as emergency, firefighting and civil protection vehicles.

- Temporary suspension of technological processes that cause dust emissions, if technically feasible. If a complete suspension is not possible, processes should be reduced to a technical minimum.

- Maximum increase in the capacity of public city transport that does not pollute the environment.
Provision of free transport or subsidization of tickets during the episode.

- Recommendation to employers to allow workers to arrive later to work so that they can take their children to preschool institutions without hindrance.

- Organization of online classes for students, as well as work from home for employees (online), in accordance with possibilities.

- For the purpose of health protection, public gatherings are prohibited, including organized sports and cultural events in open spaces (in accordance with the Law on Public Gatherings of Sarajevo Canton). Also, sports activities in open spaces are prohibited, in accordance with the Law on Sports).

By the Government's decision, as well as the Plan of Emergency Measures https://mkipgo.ks.gov.ba/mjere, all implementers of the mentioned measures have been identified, including inspections, ministries, economic and business entities, educational institutions, municipalities..

From the relevant ministry, they appeal to citizens to continuously follow the health recommendations of the Institute for Public Health of Sarajevo Canton, and to maximally limit time spent outdoors and avoid physical activities during the period of increased pollution.

All obligors of the Plan's application are called upon to adhere to the implementation of the prescribed measures, in order to contribute to the reduction of pollution through joint action.