Gacko landfill fire causes severe pollution and odor

A landfill fire near Gacko has been burning for several days, causing intense smoke and unbearable odors for local residents. The situation is exacerbated by existing pollution from the nearby Gacko Mine and Thermal Power Plant (RiTE Gacko), leading to significant health concerns among the population.

Local officials, including Gacko Mayor Vukota Govedarica, have noted that the municipal utility company lacks the necessary machinery to address the issue and is currently facing potential bankruptcy. The landfill itself, which was established 30 years ago, lacks proper permits. A modern landfill facility is estimated to cost over 5 million KM.

Environmental inspectors have observed smoke from the site, though the exact impact on air quality remains difficult to quantify because local monitoring devices for particles and sulfur dioxide are not operational. The cause of the fire has not been definitively determined, with theories ranging from spontaneous combustion to other causes.