Cleaning works have been carrying out at pagodas and temples in Bagan which is a famous destination for local and foreign visitors, and it is expected to be finished in all 11 zones by June, said U Myint Than, deputy director of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum (Bagan Branch) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture.
The project includes clearing weeds as well as banyan trees grown on pagodas and cleaning Buddha images in cave pagodas.
It was begun on 4 January 2023 and currently 100% completed in three areas, and 30% completed in next three areas, he said.
“We separated the cultural zone into 11 parts. This project was conducted as from 4 January 2023 and now 100% completed in three areas while the next three areas were completed about 30%. The rest 5 areas will be continued. We have expected to finish all by June 2024,” he said.
Trees that disturb ancient buildings 20ft around pagodas and temples will also be cleared, he said.
“Unlike previous years, the weather here has changed and many trees grew on pagodas and they became stronger due to heavy rain. Plants emerged again and again even after we cleared because there is moist on bricks. Plants re-grow themselves in about 3-4 weeks after clearing. We have to clear repeatedly this year. Even the monsoon season ended, moist soaked in bricks are still present, plus the coldness of the winter, a lot of tree grew. We have to kill banyan trees chemically,” he said.
Under supervision of the regional government, local parahita groups led by monks and department staffs have cooperated in works aiming to provide better roads and to make pagodas and temples better look, in accordance with instructions of the union minister of the Religious Affairs and Culture. There are arrivals of local and foreign tourists in Bagan.
MT/ZS
