PLANTS and bats are be­ing removed from ancient buildings in the Bagan World Heritage Site using chemicals, according to the Department of Archaeolo­gy and National Museums (Bagan Branch), Conser­vation Department.

The bamboo trees growing on ancient build­ings in the Bagan World Heritage Site. The roots of the banyan tree and other plants have caused cracks in the ancient buildings, al­lowing rainwater to enter, and birds such as pigeons and bats that roost inside the pagoda can damage the wall paintings.

Such rainwater in­filtration and bird drop­pings have also damaged the plasterwork and wall paintings inside the ancient pagoda.

To prevent and ensure its long-term sustainability, a team of staff and experts from the Department of Ar­chaeological Research and National Museum (Bagan Branch)’s, Maintenance Department, Laboratory Department, and other departments have been working to remove No 1662 (Gupisatgyi) pagoda.

The systematic remov­al of trees with chemical pesticides and the chemical removal of bats inside the ancient building No 1668 (Shwehteesaung) pagoda are being carried out in collaboration with the ASI team. — ASH/MKKS