AN AILING TREE

The health of the sacred Bodhi tree—an icon for Buddhists across the globe—has come into focus after reports that branches of the tree were allegedly being cut off. Fears over the future of tree has gripped Bodh Gaya and a report by the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, has also said that the life of the tree would be endangered if curative measures are not taken.

Worried over the health of the tree, the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee is toying with the idea of using DNA techniques to develop a clone of the tree. Though temple management authorities refuse to talk on the issue, Divisional Commissioner of Magadh range, K.P. Ramaiah, acknowledged that the idea was being discussed. “The idea of developing a clone of the tree is still at the conceptual level. We are busy implementing a master plan for Bodh Gaya”, Ramaiahh said.

District Magistrate of Gaya, Sanjay Kumar Singh, who is the ex-officio chairman of the temple management committee denied reports about cloning the Bodhi tree. He, however, said that scientists of FRI, Dehradun, had suggested some DNA tests and it was being discussed.

The report by FRI Dehradun said the health of the Bodhi tree was declining and suggested a number of curative measures. It said the cemented wall near the base of the tree should be removed and people should be stopped from going near the tree to avoid “soil compaction” by trampling. It also said metal halide lamps and other lights, which are close to the tree should be removed.

DM Singh said they were implementing the recommendations of FRI. He said they had already removed the concrete structure around the tree and banned the entry of pilgrims and even VIPs inside the enclosure. On removing the cemented wall around the base of the tree, Singh said: “That has to be done in the supervision of scientists from FRI. We have already written to them and it will be implemented soon.”

Ironically, the sacredness of the tree has endangered its health. Buddhist pilgrims from across the globe reach here to get an opportunity to touch the tree, tie a sacred cloth around it and light a candle at the base of the tree. Though all these activities have now been banned after reports that it was affecting the tree’s life, clearly, it’s not enough. In fact, an immediate danger to the tree is the Mahabodhi temple situated beside it. It obstructs the growth of the tree towards the east and thereby has led to unbalanced growth towards the west.

The tree’s health has hit the headlines in the recent past too. On more than one occasion, the tree faced bug attacks. Last year, the leaves fell off prematurely. Examination by scientists of FRI revealed that high moisture level in the root of the tree was responsible for the alarming fall.

Then again a controversy erupted when branches of the tree were allegedly cut. A case in this regard was lodged against the then secretary of the temple management committee, Kalicharan Yadav, and chief priest Bodhipala. They have quit their posts and the case is in court.

Handling the affairs of the Mahabodhi temple is a delicate issue as it involves both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu activists claim that the Mahabodhi temple was originally a Hindu temple and that there is a broken “Shiva linga” situated inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.