KS Government Abolishes "Warning", "Readiness" Remains in Effect

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Considering that the air in Sarajevo Canton is clean today, the KS Government decided at an extraordinary session to abolish the "Warning" episode of increased concentrations of air pollutants in all zones of Sarajevo Canton, where the Intervention Measures Plan in cases of excessive air pollution is applied.

The Government made this decision based on the fact that a continuous decrease in PM10 particulate matter concentrations has been recorded since yesterday. Today, until 2:00 PM, average daily values were below the prescribed limits, except for the Ilijaš station, namely: Vijećnica 23, Otoka 24, Ilidža 23, and Ilijaš 83 µg/m3, the KS Press Service announced.

According to the weather forecast from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, stable weather is expected in the coming days, with no precipitation and light winds, accompanied by temperature inversion, but values are expected to rise again.

For this reason, the Expert Body for Coordination and Supervision of the Intervention Measures Plan in cases of excessive air pollution decided that the "Readiness" episode remains in effect. At the same time, all responsible parties are reminded that within this episode, it is necessary, among other things, to implement the following measures: in Zone A – in the municipalities of Stari Grad, Centar, Novi Grad, Novo Sarajevo, and Ilidža – a ban on the movement of cars and trucks with diesel engines meeting EURO1 standards or lower, below 700 meters above sea level, with increased controls by inspection bodies and assistance from the Ministry of Internal Affairs; in all zones, intensification of road cleaning and washing with the application of wet calcium chloride; increased inspection supervision of construction sites; reduction of temperature by at least 2°C at all heating plants from the List of legal and natural persons using solid fuels and heavy fuel oil for heating premises, with a recommendation for a possible switch to natural gas or electricity where technically feasible; maximum increase in the capacity of public transport vehicles that do not pollute the environment; urging legal entities to postpone the start of their working hours, depending on their capabilities, in order to relieve the capacity of public transport and city roads.

Warning to at-risk population groups to reduce their movement, warning to the population not to contribute further to air pollution through their behavior and activities, warning that the burning of waste and other non-vegetative material in open spaces is prohibited, increased inspection and other supervision over the implementation of all measures, warning that any burning of waste in households is punishable, and an invitation to report such prohibited activities to the Eco-phone no. 033/66 00 00 or the Sarajevo Canton Operational Center for Civil Protection phone no: 121, for further action by the competent municipal and cantonal inspectorates, in case of suspicion.

The Expert Body will continue to continuously monitor air quality and will inform the citizens of the Canton about any changes in a timely manner, together with the KS Government.