Presenting certificate of honor: Union Ministers presented certificate of honor to the well-wishers

A ceremony of presenting certificate of honor to the well-wishers who contributed in the excavating ancient reservoirs in Bagan World Heritage Site was held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture in Nay Pyi Taw on 19th November.

The ceremony was attended by the Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin, Union Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Hla Moe, Deputy ministers, departmental officials and well-wishers.

First, the Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin gave an opening speech regarding with the work process in the excavating ancient reservoirs in Bagan World Heritage Site.

In his speech, the Union Minister said that due to flooding caused by Cyclone Mocha in the Bagan region, the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister gave instructions during his visit to the region from May 15 to May 16, 2023. These instructions aimed to prevent further flooding in the Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone and ensure proper water flow management. Relevant departments, including the General Administration Department, Department of Water Resources and River Development, Department of Irrigation, and Township Development Committees, were instructed to coordinate and take necessary measures.Following the instructions of the Head of State, efforts were made to restore ancient water channels and reservoirs from the Bagan era to improve water flow and prevent future flooding. Surveys were conducted on ancient reservoirs that had become silted or abandoned over many years. Out of 106 identified reservoirs, 91 were deemed in need of excavation and restoration. These 91 reservoirs were divided into two phases: 46 in the first phase and 45 in the second phase. Restoration work began in January 2024.The restored ancient reservoirs in the Bagan World Heritage Area are significant for Myanmar's historical and cultural heritage. As such, restoration work cannot be rushed or conducted carelessly. It must align with global heritage standards and guidelines, ensuring that cultural heritage is not compromised. Step-by-step research, documentation, and careful planning are required. Thus, the remaining reservoirs will also be restored systematically and with proper timeframes, adhering to these principles.

Next, the Union Ministers Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, U Tin Oo Lwin and U Hla Moe presented certificate of honor to the well-wishers who contributed in the excavating ancient reservoirs in Bagan World Heritage Site.