Restoration underway to preserve ancient waterways in Bagan heritage site

The Archaeology and National Museum Department (Bagan branch) has planned to discover and maintain ancient waterways in the Bagan Cultural Heritage Site to prevent flooding and ensure good water drainage before the monsoon season.
In 2021, heavy rain and Cyclone Mocha caused flooding in designated areas, damaging ancient religious buildings and surrounding areas. Therefore, priority is given to completing the restoration of waterways 1 and 2 before the onset of the monsoon.
An official of the department stated, “The department has conducted inscription records, documents, and field studies, collaborating with Italian hydrologists on the waterways of the Bagan era, connections between water channels, and the restoration of ancient lakes. We execute these tasks meticulously to avoid damaging ancient buildings and brick structures, adhering to UNESCO guidelines to preserve the geographical integrity of the ancient site.”
Currently, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, along with related ministries, is undertaking the restoration of ancient waterways.
The report highlights that the people of ancient Bagan developed systems to channel water from Mya Lake at the foot of Tuyin Hill into reservoirs such as Alanpagan, Mayoe, Laymyethna, Nyaunglettaphet, and Shwenanyin, extending to the royal moat. This extensive water network spanned over 200 feet across various geological formations. Experts are now working to restore this network.
Since 2021, local and foreign hydrologists have studied the ancient reservoirs and water channels, which were buried under mud. Following the recommendations of foreign experts, authorities began restoration efforts for three major reservoirs in 2023, resulting in significantly reduced flooding that year. Restoration efforts have been carried out with careful consideration of the surrounding geological features. — ASH/TMT