The Department of Archaeology and National Museum is overseeing the repairs to the platform of Shwezigon Pagoda to improve drainage and the maintenance of the ancient sandstone slabs, according to the Bagan Archaeology Branch.
Currently, as water remains on the platform of the Shwezigon Pagoda after heavy rains, necessary repairs and maintenance are being carried out to improve drainage and make the ancient sandstone slabs appear flat. The work includes systematic documentation after making one-metre grid patterns with an area of 87 feet by 26 feet, measuring and researching sandstone slabs, making drawings to fill in the gaps of the sandstone slabs, levelling after removing the layers of plaster between the sandstone slabs to improve water drainage, and cleaning of the lime plaster of the stone-carved alms bowls, under the supervision of the department, it said.
The Bagan region is hot and dry, but due to climate change, it now rains heavily in Bagan, and the rainwater cannot flow properly, causing water to accumulate near the pagodas and within their grounds. The waterways that have existed since the Bagan era are blocked by construction activities, such as roads and buildings, causing flooding. Therefore, the department is re-discovering and studying the original water channels.
The Department of Archaeology and National Museum has stated that it is carrying out the tasks in line with the laws, management frameworks and guidelines that have been issued for the preservation of cultural heritage in the Bagan World Heritage Area. In doing so, the Bagan Archaeology Branch said that in addition to the staff of the department, related departments, heritage conservation committees, and participants in preservation are cooperating and coordinating. — MT/ZN/ED
