PHNOM PENH, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The restoration work on the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Cambodia's renowned Angkor Archaeological Park has been underway, said an APSARA National Authority (ANA) news release on Wednesday.
Chiv Phirom, head of the technical team for the Phnom Bakheng Temple Restoration Project, said the restoration work, in collaboration between the World Monuments Fund (WMF) and the ANA, has been underway since August 2019 and is scheduled to be completed in 2029.
"This work represents the third phase of the Phnom Bakheng Temple Restoration Project, which WMF has been involved in since 2004," he said.
He noted that during the first phase, from 2004 to 2007, WMF conducted studies and a pilot restoration on the first level in the southwest section of the temple.
The second phase, which began in 2008 and was completed in 2019, focused on restoring the central sections of the north and south stairways on the eastern side, along with archaeological excavations and conservation work, he added.
"Approximately 75 percent of the overall restoration of Phnom Bakheng Temple has now been completed. Of this, restoration work on the western part accounts for about 25 percent," Phirom said.
Regarding the damage to the western section, he said the temple has suffered from foundation collapse, displaced and tilted stones, and fallen masonry affecting the walls and lion sculptures.
He added that in addition to restoration work, the team has reinforced cracked and deteriorated mountain stones using various technical methods to enhance their structural stability.
Built in the late ninth century and early 10th century during the reign of King Yasovarman I, Phnom Bakheng Temple attracts hundreds of visitors daily to enjoy stunning sunset views and the panoramic scenery of the Angkor area.
It is one of the key temples in the 401-square-km UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province. ■
