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Sacred Bodhi Tree Gets Expert Health Check
23 Apr
Summary
- Scientists conducted a comprehensive health check-up of the sacred Bodhi tree.
- Low soil moisture and tilted branches are identified as key concerns.
- Conservation efforts include improved watering and structural support.
Scientists from the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, recently performed a comprehensive health check on the sacred Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. This routine monitoring is part of a conservation agreement between the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) and FRI.
The overall health of the tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, is reported as satisfactory. However, experts noted insufficient soil moisture, which can impede nutrient flow to the roots, and several branches leaning precariously towards the ground. These tilted branches pose a risk of breaking and impacting the tree's structural integrity.
To address these issues, remedial actions are being initiated. These include improving soil moisture through periodic water sprinkling and installing additional support pillars for the leaning branches. Unwanted and dead portions of branches will also be pruned, and medication, using only bio-friendly substances, will be administered to prevent infections.
The FRI team will supervise the pruning and treatment closely, aiming to preserve the tree naturally. Hydro-cleaning of the shrine was also recently completed. Previous recommendations for limiting footfall to prevent soil compaction and replacing marble tiles with porous sand tiles are being reviewed by the BTMC.
