The first reconnaissance of the Tašmajdan reef was carried out on 15th April 2022 with the idea of assessing the current situation, indicating the new damage and proposing urgent measures of rehabilitation and prevention of further damage to this protected natural asset. Reconnaissance is the first step in selecting methods for permanent monitoring as well as setting the premise for scientific research.
The current situation is generally bad, which is a consequence of many years of neglect. The presence of vegetation which damages the rock with its mechanical action – root growth – was recorded on almost the entire surface. Towards the face of the rock, the left side above the west stand is more endangered by the processes of disintegration. Many vertical and longitudinal cracks of different dimensions were observed. The whole surface is affected by surface decomposition. Photograph 2 shows several centimeters rock eroded parts, while some parts reach about twenty centimeters.
Surface rinsing is visible on the entire surface. More serious cuts caused by the work of water (mechanical and chemical) and, in many places, by various water outlets that are not properly implemented in drainage channels (collectors).
Due to the presence of vegetation, it was not possible to determine the details, so it is necessary to remove the vegetation from the entire surface. It should be taken into account that there is a possibility that loosely bound parts of the rock will fall off during vegetation removal. In addition to this issue, priority works include placing a protective fence (strip) under the slope above the west stand with a warning sign of possible falling stones in order to achieve maximum safety for visitors to the Tašmajdan sports center.
After the vegetation is removed, additional reconnaissance will be performed. The analysis of the current state, geotechnical studies and projects made for the protection of the limestone of the Tašmajdan reef, further steps and directions in the research will be determined with the aim of protecting and preserving the natural state of the limestone rocks.
Reconnaissance of the terrain and compilation of reports were performed by Dr. Nikola Zivanovic and M.Sc. Stevan Ćorluka.