The Sofia Municipality will turn 24 "mud spots" into improved urban spaces in 2025. The initiative is part of the overall policy of the administration of Vasil Terziev to improve air quality and expand the green system in the capital and will affect 18 metropolitan districts. The funds earmarked for this purpose amount to nearly 1.3 million leva.
The total area that will be improved is over 8800 sq. m. More than 6800 sq. m of these areas will be converted into over 450 parking spaces with a pavement of concrete elements that allow continuous heat and water exchange of the soil. The remaining 1950 sq. m will be designed as green areas, which will contribute to reducing secondary dusting from undeveloped terrain.
The project also envisages increasing vegetation in the inter-block spaces. The planting of nearly 100 new trees and 5000 shrubs will help filter fine dust particles (PM10) and carbon dioxide, while at the same time ensuring better living conditions and a more welcoming environment in the neighborhoods.
Systemic approach for cleaner air
The improvement of the “mud points“ is just one of the measures in the Sofia Municipality's comprehensive plan to tackle dirty air. The administration's systemic approach includes actions in five key areas:
- Reducing pollution from cars – by introducing a low-emission zone, modernizing public transport and building public parking spaces.
- Limiting pollution from domestic heating – through a program for free replacement of solid fuel stoves with environmentally friendly alternatives.
- Strict control of construction – with record high levels of inspections of construction companies.
- Fighting unregulated waste burning – by controlling illegal landfills and implementing strict measures against violators.
- Expanding the green system – by improving muddy spots and investing in new green areas.
Successful results in 2024.
As a result of these consistent policies, Sofia reported a second consecutive year with PM10 levels below the maximum permissible limit set by European standards. In 2024, the number of days exceeding the average daily norm is below 35 for all measuring stations in the city. This is a particularly important indicator, as 2024 is the reference year for the European Commission's 2020 decision against Bulgaria for non-compliance with ambient air quality standards.