Steel grille doors are being installed at pagodas and temples to deter robbery in the century-old cultural heritage zone.
The theft on April 18th resulted in the loss of sand stone patterns from three old pagodas.
To avoid such incidents from occurring in the future, the Department of Archeology and National Museum (Bagan Branch), in collaboration with other departments, is enhancing security measures in the old cultural zone.
Myint Than, Deputy Director of Bagan’s Department of Archeology and National Museum, claimed “We recovered 6 sculptures from Pagoda No.716, and 2 statues from Pagoda No.418 after an inquiry. The Security Forces are always on the lookout for the surviving sculptures. We also intend to put steel grille doors at the pagodas for further security.”
Field work for the installation of steel grille doors is now underway, and once finished, a budget allocation request will be submitted.
Myint Than, Deputy Director of Bagan’s Department of Archeology and National Museum, said “Because of the differences in measurement among the pagodas, our department’s engineers are doing field work to count the number of steel grille doors and designs to be fitted. Following that, we’ll request budget allocations. Furthermore, security guards will be sent to the pagodas that are located in isolated areas.”
In 2019, Bagan was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the Bagan Archeological Zone, there are 3,822 pagodas and temples on the eastern bank of the Ayeyawady River and 15 pagodas and temples on the western bank.