Tower projects cast a shadow on pagoda

Yangon City Development says a survey shows that most residents oppose the construction of high-rise buildings near the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Civil projects expert, Dr Kyaw Latt, told local media that according to a survey about 90% of residents surveyed opposed the idea of high-rise buildings and just 10% gave no reply.
“During the last 21 years, many buildings have been constructed that devalue our historical heritage in Yangon. The views of Shwedagon from U Wisara Road is already restricted,” he said, warning that views of the iconic pagoda could diminish further to the point where the pagoda would not be visible from nearby roads.
Rules controlling the construction of high-rise buildings near Shwedagon Pagoda precinct were enacted in 1994.
In 2012, the restricted area was extended to Shin Saw Pu Road and Baho Road. In September 2013, the area extended to the Yangon Zoo.
There is now considerable commercial pressure for investors to opt for high-rise towers for both hotels, residential blocks and offices due to rising lease or purchase costs and the scarcity of available real estate plots.
Shwedagon Pagoda, the city’s most famous tourist attraction, attracted 400,852 visitors in 2013, up 47.92% compared to over 271,000 visitors in 2012.

Sourced: ttrweekly