Experts' warnings on footfall & soil health for Mahabodhi tree ignored
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Gaya: While several expert recommendations for preserving the health of the sacred Mahabodhi tree, revered by millions of Buddhists and others globally, have been effectively implemented, two crucial measures remain unaddressed – restricting visitor footfall to reduce soil compaction and replacing marble tiles around the tree with porous sandstone ones.
Both steps are considered essential to ensure the smooth absorption of nutrients by the tree's roots.
The Mahabodhi tree symbolises Lord Buddha's enlightenment and his transformation from a wandering prince to a spiritual guide.
Responsibility for monitoring the health of the revered tree was entrusted to the Dehradun-based Forest Research Institute (FRI) several years ago, following a major health scare involving premature leaf fall and a mealybug infestation, a condition primarily linked to soil contamination.
Since then, plant scientists from the FRI have conducted thorough health assessments every six months and remain on standby in case of any signs of abnormality.
Earlier, experts including NSK Harsh and Subhash Nautiyal from the FRI made a series of recommendations. These included a complete ban on the burning of oil lamps and incense sticks in the tree's proximity, strict prohibition on touching the tree, especially for plucking leaves or tying threads for wish fulfilment, and replacing high-intensity electric bulbs with lower-intensity lighting.
They also advised ensuring darkness during nighttime hours to aid respiration and facilitate photosynthesis.
Other recommendations included limiting the number of visitors within the shrine at any one time to prevent crowding and soil compaction and replacing the non-porous marble flooring with porous sandstone tiles to improve water and nutrient absorption by the tree's roots.
While several of these recommendations, such as bans on oil lamp and incense burning, protection from physical contact, allowing natural decomposition of fallen leaves, and replacing high-intensity lights, have been implemented, the two key suggestions on footfall limitation and flooring replacement have yet to be acted upon.
During his tenure as ex-officio chairperson of the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee, the then district magistrate, Abhishek Singh, had virtually ruled out limiting footfall. "So many people from different parts of the world visit Bodh Gaya to have a glimpse of the seat of Buddha's enlightenment and refusing them entry at their convenient time would not only hurt religious sentiments but also adversely impact Bodh Gaya's economy, which is almost entirely dependent on tourists and pilgrims," he had argued.
When asked about the current status of these unimplemented recommendations, secretary of the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee, Mahashweta Maharathi, said, "The recommendations must have been made before I took over as secretary. I will have to look into the files before making any comment on the issue."
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