SIEM REAP: The APSARA National Authority have announced that Tonle Snguot, an ancient reservoir built by Khmer ancestors during the Angkorian period, has been reinstated after centuries of being dried up.

Tonle Snguot is located in the north of Angkor Thom, about 400 meters from the Dei Chhnang Gate, in Siem Reap province. East of the reservoir is Preah Khan temple, while in the west is Tonle Snguot temple, which was one of the four ancient hospitals located around Angkor Thom during the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

According to the APSARA National Authority, Tonle Snguot is 800 meters long and 400 meters wide, and was damaged and dried up due to abandonment and lack of care for centuries. However, thanks to the participation of monks, local villagers, local authorities, and the APSARA National Authority, the reservoir has now been fully reinstated, including the complete restoration of a dam, the construction of a sluice gate, and the installation of an ancient irrigation system, which can permanently store about 750,000 cubic meters of water.

The APSARA National Authority state that the reinstitution of Tonle Snguot is in line with the project to restore the ancient irrigation system in the Angkor area, to protect the Angkor site and Siem Reap city from flooding during the rainy season, and to also store water in the ancient reservoirs, moats, barays, and canals of the temples to support them, enhance the value of the cultural landscape, as well as to ensure there is enough water available to the locals for everyday use.