Developments near Shwedagon scrapped

08 July 2015
Developments near Shwedagon scrapped

Myanmar's government announced on Tuesday, 6 July, that it would halt five controversial property developments near the Shwedagon Pagoda, the country's most famous Buddhist site.
A number of protests, often led by Buddhist clergy, have taken place to stop the projects, which protesters say risk damaging and desecrating the golden pagoda. Experts suggested that the project needed to be reviewed due to the fact that it would have an impact on the Pagoda, which is considered to be an ancient cultural heritage building, and petitioned the Government for it to be scrapped.
The Myanmar Investment Commission and the Ministry of Defence, which owns the land that houses the Yangon Dagon former State University and No.1 Motor Vehicle Battalion also suggested that the projects should be stopped as did the investors Shwetaung Development Company, Adventure Myanmar Tours and Incentives Co Ltd, Thukha Yadana Company and Marga Landmark Development Co Ltd.
The five property developments were originally suspended in January for a month by the Myanmar Investment Commission following complaints over their proximity to Shwedagon and concerns over their height.
Additional reporting Reuters