The APSARA National Authority has initiated a restoration project for the ancient drainage system featuring the sculpture of Makara, located approximately 3 kilometres southwest of Beng Mealea Temple in Siem Reap province.

According to the authority’s news release on Aug. 19, this initiative, led by experts from the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, aims to enhance the historical significance of this site.

The Makara sculpture, a mythical creature in Khmer architecture, played a crucial role in the ancient drainage system designed by Khmer ancestors, said the source, pointing out that it was constructed to channel water from Phnom Kulen, allowing it to flow through the mouth of the Makara and into O’ Thmar Dap.

This water then continued to nourish the basin of Beng Mealea Temple and eventually reached a large reservoir known as Veal Phtei, situated east of the temple, concluded the news release.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse