Earthquake-damaged ancient monuments in Bagan are being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Under Phase I, restoration work on 11 monuments has been completed and officially handed over to the Bagan branch in December 2024. Phase II, running from 2025 to 2028, involves the conservation of 50 additional monuments.

A coordination meeting was held on January 17 at the Bagan branch office of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum, attended by departmental officials, members of the Mandalay Region Cultural Heritage Conservation Committee, and ASI representatives from New Delhi. ASI Directors Mr. Sh. Sundar Paul and Dr. Manoj Kumar Bhatnagar, along with conservation experts working in Bagan, participated in the discussion.

During the meeting, officials expressed appreciation for ASI’s detailed conservation work and emphasized that restoration should follow standard procedures, preserving original features from archaeological, artistic, and traditional perspectives. ASI representatives reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the project in line with international conservation policies.

ASI’s team leader also presented ongoing Phase II activities and suggested installing protective bird-proof mesh and iron gates at restored temples. Committee members later provided technical recommendations on chemical conservation, structural assessment, and mural preservation.