Gaya: Scientists from the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, on Wednesday carried out a comprehensive health check-up of the sacred Bodhi tree located on the Mahabodhi Temple premises in Bodh Gaya. The inspection was jointly conducted by plant pathologist Shailesh Pandey and plant physiologist Santan Barthwal as part of routine monitoring under a long-standing conservation agreement between the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) and the FRI.According to Barthwal, the overall health condition of the Bodhi tree — revered as the site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment — is satisfactory. “The leaves are fresh and green, indicating good vitality. However, some age-related issues have been identified and remedial measures are being initiated,” he said.One of the key concerns flagged during the inspection was insufficient moisture in the soil around the tree. Barthwal explained that low moisture levels obstruct the smooth flow of nutrients to the roots, which could affect the tree’s long-term health. “Steps will be taken to improve moisturization, including periodic water sprinkling as required,” he said.The health check-up was conducted in accordance with the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the BTMC and the FRI. The responsibility of maintaining the health of the sacred tree was outsourced to the FRI in 2008 after the tree was affected by mealy bugs, which caused yellowing of leaves, premature leaf fall, distorted growth and overall weakening. Prior to that, experts from Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, had been entrusted with the tree’s care.The scientists also observed that some branches have tilted sharply toward the ground, making them vulnerable to breaking. Barthwal said additional support pillars would be required to prevent sudden branch fall, which could adversely impact the tree’s structural balance and strength. To reduce weight and risk, unwanted and dead portions of branches will be pruned, and medication will be administered wherever necessary to prevent fungal infections and other ailments, he said.“The pruning and treatment will be personally supervised by the FRI team. Medication will be kept to the bare minimum, and only bio-friendly substances will be used,” Barthwal said. He added that such careful intervention is essential to preserve the tree without disturbing its natural growth.Hydro-cleaning of the shrine was also undertaken recently to remove accumulated dirt and biological growth from the exterior. Earlier recommendations by plant scientists had also included limiting footfall to prevent soil compaction and replacing marble tiles around the tree with porous sand tiles to improve nutrient flow.Responding to queries on the implementation of these recommendations, BTMC secretary Mahashweta Maharathi said restricting pilgrim movement was not feasible. “Alternative measures have been adopted to prevent soil compaction,” she said.On the issue of marble tiles, Maharathi said a fresh expert opinion would be sought to assess whether the tree has adapted to the existing conditions, adding that all necessary steps would be taken for the conservation of the shrine and the sacred tree.
