GAYA: Notwithstanding the assertion by plant scientists that Bodhi tree, the symbol of Buddha's enlightenment was in good health and the recent fall of the sacred tree branch and unseasonal fall of the leaves were just aberrations, it is time for the framing of Plan B or contingency plan in case the tree were to fall or suffer severe damage on account of some unforeseen natural calamity including earthquake.
Due to lack of adequate darkness during the night hours and resultant photosynthesis deficiency, soil compaction and pollution caused by over zealous devotees, the tree has been faced with health-related issues. A few years back, the tree suffered from mealybug, a plant disease caused mainly by photosynthesis deficiency.
Though shrine management is reluctant to share information, sources said that during the last visit of plant scientist and former professor of Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, NSK Harsh, a few days back, the Plan B came up for discussion.
According to Pragya Deep, general secretary of the International Buddhist Council, the body representing about 50 foreign monasteries located in Bodh Gaya, the tree was very dear to the Buddha followers and it was for the shrine management committee to prepare a contingency plan to meet any eventuality. "The present tree is a descendant of the original tree brought from Srilanka where saplings were gifted by King Ashoka," he said.
Sources said two options are available for replacement of the tree with its own DNA profile. The options are cloning of the tree and frozen preservation of its own seeds. Cloning, according to well placed sources, was a risky venture as the process may lead to mass reproduction of the sacred tree, thereby compromising with its unique status.
The plant scientist reportedly favoured the safer option of preservation of the seeds in a frozen state. The technique for the same is locally not available and for that specialist agency with good credentials was required. FRI scientists may provide expert advice to the shrine committee in this respect.
The main irritant in the maintenance of the tree's health parameters continue to be overzealous devotees who visit the shrine in large numbers. Though practices like tying wish threads and plucking of leaves have been effectively checked by vigilant watch staff, the soil compaction caused by heavy foot fall and resultant blockades in the sub-surface supply of nutrients continues to be a major problem.
Earlier, the shrine committee also banned use of incense sticks and oil lamps in the sacred tree's vicinity, said a source.
Due to lack of adequate darkness during the night hours and resultant photosynthesis deficiency, soil compaction and pollution caused by over zealous devotees, the tree has been faced with health-related issues. A few years back, the tree suffered from mealybug, a plant disease caused mainly by photosynthesis deficiency.
Though shrine management is reluctant to share information, sources said that during the last visit of plant scientist and former professor of Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, NSK Harsh, a few days back, the Plan B came up for discussion.
According to Pragya Deep, general secretary of the International Buddhist Council, the body representing about 50 foreign monasteries located in Bodh Gaya, the tree was very dear to the Buddha followers and it was for the shrine management committee to prepare a contingency plan to meet any eventuality. "The present tree is a descendant of the original tree brought from Srilanka where saplings were gifted by King Ashoka," he said.
Sources said two options are available for replacement of the tree with its own DNA profile. The options are cloning of the tree and frozen preservation of its own seeds. Cloning, according to well placed sources, was a risky venture as the process may lead to mass reproduction of the sacred tree, thereby compromising with its unique status.
The plant scientist reportedly favoured the safer option of preservation of the seeds in a frozen state. The technique for the same is locally not available and for that specialist agency with good credentials was required. FRI scientists may provide expert advice to the shrine committee in this respect.
The main irritant in the maintenance of the tree's health parameters continue to be overzealous devotees who visit the shrine in large numbers. Though practices like tying wish threads and plucking of leaves have been effectively checked by vigilant watch staff, the soil compaction caused by heavy foot fall and resultant blockades in the sub-surface supply of nutrients continues to be a major problem.
Earlier, the shrine committee also banned use of incense sticks and oil lamps in the sacred tree's vicinity, said a source.
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