Bagan World Heritage Site: Leading Committee meeting for renovation works

State Administration Council Member Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister for Defence General Mya Tun Oo delivered a speech at the meeting 1/2023 of the Leading Committee on Renovation of Cultural Heritage in Bagan World Heritage Site held at the National Library of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture in Nay Pyi Taw in the morning of Thursday.

In his speech, the General who is in the capacity as Chairman of the Leading Committee stressed that the first phase of the renovation of religious edifices in Bagan has been completed by 100 per cent thanks to the help of UNESCO, archaeological experts and engineering and architectural associations, except for Thabyinnyu Pagoda which will be renovated under a nine-year plan in cooperation with China among 389 earthquake-hit stupas and temples.

A total of 499 stupas and temples were renovated in the Bagan ancient cultural zone within four years period. Due to the recent storm Mocha on 15 May, heavy rains inundated the precincts of 15 stupas and temples including Dhammayangyi Temple in the Bagan region, causing damage to some parts of eight religious edifices and slight damage to 45 ancient buildings.

The Department of Archaeology and National Museum has maintained seven of eight pagodas while Chinese experts are repairing the walls of Thatbyinnyu Temple. The General pointed out that local and foreign experts and relevant departments are to continuously discuss the renovation of ancient buildings with material assistance of ministries concerned as technical assistance and suggestions were sought from local and foreign experts for the annual preservation of cultural heritage in the Bagan region with farsightedness over possible forthcoming natural disasters.

Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Ko Ko reported on the renovation of damaged religious edifices, spending of funds, inundation at temples and stupas affected by Cyclone Mocha and maintenance of damaged buildings.

Those present discussed the renovation and preservation of cultural heritage in the Bagan’s World Heritage Site. Departmental officials presented reports on the progress in the preservation of ancient cultural heritage in the region and management measures.