The state hasn't informed people about the current smog situation as well as it could have done, said Environment Minister László Sólymos(Most-Hid) at a press conference on Monday. The problem is that information on the smog situation in Slovakia has not reached as many people as it should. He stressed that everyone in the country has the right to know about the current smog situation. Some Slovak towns and villages have been struggling with air quality recently. The Slovak Hydro-meteorological Office (SHMU) has issued a number of alerts and warnings due to excessive levels of particles in the air. The warnings are still in force for Bystricany (Trencin region), Banska Bystrica, Martin, Ružomberok (both Žilina region), Kosice and Žilina. Ladislav Caracky from the Slovak Hydro-meteorological Institute reported that smog limits have been exceeded recently mainly due to poor dispersal conditions and severe frost. Household heating, traffic, industry and winter gritting have also contributed to the deteriorating situation, "The good news is that the situation is likely to change in the course of Tuesday," he said, noting that wind and expected snowfall should improve dispersal conditions.
The minister hopes that by the end of the year the ministry will have a new environmental strategy that will bring new measures to improve air quality. It should lay down effective guidelines for cutting pollution. In addition, the strategy could include emission limits for certain home heating boilers on the Slovak market as well as state support for replacing unsuitable boilers.
