Myanmar bans visit to Bagan ancient pagodas for conservation

Myanmar authorities have banned visit to ancient pagodas in Bagan, Ministry of Culture said on Tuesday.

Visitors will not be allowed in the vicinity of Bagan's ancient pagodas and stupas as of March 1, Xinhau cited the announcement as saying, adding that the restriction was part of the efforts to conserve Myanmar cultural heritage.

The announcement cited the reason that visitors at the pagodas pose a risk to the durability of the edifices in the area where there are more than 3,000 ancient buildings.

The announcement said visitors are often found dancing and sleeping in the temples, ignoring the restriction on such behaviour.

Meanwhile, Myanmar Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, in cooperation with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is drafting plan for sustainable development of the ancient city of Bagan.

The number of tourists visiting the archaeological site has been on rise with the tourist boom.

Bagan is also seeking Unesco's recognition as world heritage site status.