The renovation work on the Mahabodhi Pagoda in Bagan, currently being undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is approximately 80 per cent complete, according to U Zaw Weik, a donor providing water for the restoration project.

The ASI began restoration work in September, and significant progress has been observed, with U Zaw Weik posting on social media that the project has reached the 80 per cent completion mark.

“Our family, along with the Zaw family (Tour Agency), is donating the water necessary for washing the pagoda and removing lime and moss. To date, we have donated over 40,000 gallons of water,” he stated.

Furthermore, their family has donated funds to the Bagan Heritage Trust to support the chemical eradication of invasive plants, such as banyan, Indian Mulberry (Morinda citrifolia), Portia tree or Indian Tulip tree (Thespesia populnea), and weeds, growing on the pagodas and sealing gaps after removals.

The Bagan Heritage Trust and the Department of Archaeology and National Museum are collaborating on these preservation efforts. Experts and officials are working together to chemically treat invasive vegetation and ensure that once the plants are dead, the resulting gaps are properly sealed with mortar.

MT/ZN

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar