Inspection of ancient structures: MoRAC UM inspected damaged ancient structures

Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture, U Tin Oo Lwin, along with Deputy Minister for Culture Daw Nu Mya Zan and responsible officials, in the morning on April 29, conducted a field inspection of ancient structures in Innwa Ancient City, Tada-U District, Mandalay Region, which were damaged by the recent earthquake.

The Union Minister and officials inspected ancient buildings No. 233 and 234 located along Maha Zeyapahta Maung-Oh Brick Road in Tada-U Township, which were damaged by the quake. Following this, they visited the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda (also known as Sandamuni Pagoda), built by King Nyaung Yan in AD 1602.

At this site, a voluntary group led by Sayadaw U Pyinnya Thara from Yangon and local residents were working together to clear debris. The Union Minister expressed encouragement and provided cash donation. Subsequently, they inspected other quake-damaged sites including Lay Htat Gyi Pagoda, the Innwa Ancient Archaeological Museum, the Lawka Tharaphu Pagoda built in AD 1733, and the teakwood Bargayar Monastery, which was constructed using 267 teak pillars during the reign of King Bodawpaya in AD 1782.

Officials explained that eight teams from the Department of Archaeology and National Museum have been formed to undertake the restoration and preservation of earthquake-affected ancient heritage structures in Mandalay, Innwa, Pinya, Paleik, Mekkhaya, Sagaing, and other areas.

These efforts are being carried out in accordance with UNESCO guidelines and recommendations from international experts, and are aligned with preservation standards. The inspection continued with visits to other historic sites from the Nyaung Yan period, including Laykyun Myintmoh Pagoda (also known as Kyaung-lain Pagoda), Lawka-Dutha-Man Aung Pagoda, Myint-moh Taung Pagoda, Winga Ba Pagoda, the Innwa Shwezigon Pagoda built in AD 1370 by a great king of the First Innwa period and revered by successive Nyaung Yan monarchs, the Maha Ratanabonmtha Thitsataik Pagoda, and the 60-foot-tall Nan Myint Viewpoint Tower built by King Bagyidaw in AD 1822, which is now partially collapsed.

They also examined the Aungmyebonzan Brick Monastery (also known as Me Nu Brick Monastery), built by King Bagyidaw and Queen Me Nu, and provided guidance on necessary restoration efforts. Finally, they inspected the damaged Htee-Hlaing-Shin Pagoda complex and the stone inscription marking the location of the Innwa Golden Palace built by King Narapati. Officials were instructed to contact the donors of these religious sites regarding restoration.

If restoration is not feasible by the donors, they should be invited to contribute anew. All restorations must follow the directive of the Head of State, which emphasizes incorporating structural resilience against future earthquakes and natural disasters, while also adhering to quality standards and benchmarks.