Italian hydrologist joins restoration efforts for Bagan’s ancient water reservoirs

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture enlisted an Italian hydrologist to assist in retracing water distribution networks from the Bagan era and dredging ancient water reservoirs in the Bagan Cultural Heritage Zone.
Dr Massimo Sarti and local experts are collaborating on Phyaukseikpin Reservoirs 1, 2, and 3, as well as Thanbula and Amana Reservoirs, which the Ministry of Border Affairs commissioned. Additionally, they are involved in Laymyethna and Pyargyiswel Reservoirs, overseen by the Department of Archaeology and National Museum, and Zayawari Reservoir, managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation.
The professionals are reconnecting the reservoirs to the original water networks for water supply. Excavating the ancient reservoirs poses challenges due to the presence of unseen debris from ancient structures and walls submerged underwater.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, along with related ministries, launched restoration efforts to prevent flooding in the heritage zone.
The people of ancient Bagan devised systems to channel water from Mya Lake at the foot of the Tuyin Hill into reservoirs, Alanpagan, Mayoe, Latmyethna, Nyunglettaphet, and Shwenanyin, extending all the way to the royal moat. This expansive water network covered over 200 feet across various geological formations. Experts are now trying to restore this network.
Since 2021, both local and foreign experts have conducted studies on the ancient reservoirs and water channels, which were buried under mud. By acting upon the recommendations of the foreign experts, authorities undertook restoration efforts for three major reservoirs in 2023. Consequently, there was significantly reduced flooding that year.
Restoration efforts have reportedly been done with careful consideration of the surrounding geological features. — ASH/NT