Belgrade has placed water tankers at 10 city locations as a preventive measure against high temperatures, while critics call for more permanent public fountains.
Key facts
- •Belgrade has deployed 10 water tankers across the city as a heatwave precaution.
- •A public fountain is operational at Nikola Pašić Square, though some residents reportedly struggle to locate it.
- •Four of the 10 water tankers are positioned in the city center.
- •The Stari Grad assembly is calling for more permanent fountains and better public information regarding their locations.
- •Critics argue that urban reconstruction projects are replacing green spaces with concrete, worsening heat retention.
The Belgrade Emergency Situations Headquarters has implemented preventive measures to combat high temperatures, including the placement of drinking water tankers at 10 locations throughout the city. One such tanker is located at Nikola Pašić Square, where a public fountain is also currently operational.
Criticism of current measures
Snežana Radovanović of the Stari Grad assembly stated that while the tankers serve as a good temporary measure, they are insufficient for the entire city. She noted that four of the 10 tankers are located in the city center, which she argues is inadequate. Radovanović called for a systemic solution involving more permanent public fountains and the creation of visible maps to help citizens locate them.
Concerns over urban planning
Radovanović also criticized recent urban reconstructions for reducing green spaces and increasing concrete surfaces, which she claims contribute to higher temperatures. She cited the Republic Square as an example of a former green zone that now lacks shade and fountains. She urged authorities to stop the 'concreting' of the city and prioritize the preservation of mature trees to help cool the environment.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by N1 Info.
