Canton of Sarajevo Declares First Degree of Alert over Air Pollution in the City

10 January 2008

The Cantonal Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environmental Protection declared the first degree of alert for emergency situation because of the rising air pollution levels in Sarajevo, caused by the morning and evening fog which assists the pollution to remain in the valley of Sarajevo. The weather is stabilizing, in fact, that could contribute to rising concentration of air pollution.

The first degree includes warnings for various categories of population to restrict their movement, especially in the morning and evening hours of the day; and appeal to reduce the use of private vehicles; and restricted emission from all sources of pollution, such as fireplaces, industrial facilities, etc.

Since no change in weather conditions are expected by Friday, the possibility to move to the second level of alert, which includes actual reductions in traffic volumes, prohibition of use of vehicles without catalyst equipment, etc.

The application of actual measures will be decided, on individual case basis, by the Operational Headquarters for Implementation of Emergency Measures of the Cantonal Government. The public will be regularly informed about all measures.

The average daily values of air quality are available at the website of the Federal Hydro-Meteorolology Bureau.