Landmark environmental lawsuit filed over controversial 'Tresnjica' landfill

The legal action alleges serious violations of the residents' rights to a healthy environment, health, safety, and property. According to the claim, work on the "Tresnjica" landfill project has persisted despite significant procedural irregularities, including construction without a valid environmental permit, which reportedly expired on 28 January 2026.

The dispute stems from years of opposition to the project's execution. Residents have specifically highlighted the illegal conversion of state forest land and the unauthorised use of private plots. A critical precedent was set in January 2025, when the Cantonal Court in Gorazde halted the unlawful disposal of state property intended for the landfill's access road. Despite this ruling, construction activities allegedly continued.

A primary concern involves the access road passing directly through the Glamoc settlement. The lawsuit asserts that the road is technically unfit for heavy machinery and freight vehicles, posing a direct threat to pedestrians and children. Residents have already reported structural damage to homes caused by heavy traffic vibrations.

The lawsuit requests that the court formally establish the violation of collective rights, prohibit further harmful actions, such as the passage of heavy vehicles through the settlement, and order the remediation of consequences arising from unlawful conduct.

This case is viewed as a significant test for the Bosnian judiciary. As projects with profound environmental impacts are increasingly scrutinised, the outcome in Glamoc may define the future of public interest defence and judicial accountability regarding environmental and human rights in Bosnia.