Some of the branches of the sacred Mahabodhi tree, the symbol of Buddha’s enlightenment, have been found gathering weight, triggering concern in official circles.

Scientists from Dehradun-based Forest Research Institute on Friday examined the tree and noticed the tree’s obesity.

The tree is believed to be a direct descendant of the peepal tree that gave shade to Buddha, then only the wandering prince Siddhartha during the final phase of relentless meditation that finally led to enlightenment and divinity for the founder of the Buddhist faith.

Asked about the apparent health hazard, plant scientist Amit Pandey said there was little to be worried about as the overall health of the tree was good and the weight issue can be rectified through pruning and other techniques. Asked if he had recommended pruning, Pandey said the present season was not suitable for pruning, as it may cause fungal infection. The pruning will be done this winter-end, said the scientists.

He had also noticed some positive changes in the tree, said the scientist. “One such positive sign pertained to the upward growth of some of the branches. Such growth will help maintain the tree’s balance,” said Pandey.

In another development, the much-awaited exit gate of the world famous Mahabodhi temple became operational on Saturday morning. Earlier, the same gate was being used for entry as well as exit, thereby causing commotion-like situation during peak hours. The shrine figures on the radar of foreign-based terrorist organisations and at least twice in the past, terrorists have targeted the shrine and its vicinity. The same gate entry/exit was being regarded as an irritant for effective shrine security. Expressing satisfaction over the functioning of the separate exit gate, district magistrate Abhishekh Singh said the separate exit gate will facilitate better monitoring and maintenance of shrine security.

Asked about the footfall this tourist season, Singh, who is also the chairman of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee said the tourist inflow from Vietnam and some other countries had been more than normal. About the quantification of footfall in the shrine, the DM said the exact head count was not possible at this stage.

“The doorframe metal detectors would be improvised for the purpose,” said the DM.

Conceding shortage of meditation space, the DM said he had asked the forest department to open the Jai Prakash Botanical Garden to the shrine’s west to Buddha followers for meditation purposes. It will be much better if the forest department transferred the botanical garden to the shrine committee.