As the tourist season gathers momentum in Bodhgaya, apart from security related challenges, protecting the sacred Bodhi (peepal) tree from over-enthusiastic devotees remains a challenge for the Mahabodhi Mahavihara management.

Scientist NSK Harsh had advised against touching the sacred tree, said to be a direct descendant of the original tree that provided shade to the Buddha when he received enlightenment.

The shrine management has banned plucking of leaves and tying of threads and cloth pieces on the tree for wish fulfilment. The scientist also wanted naturally fallen leaves of the tree be left untouched to allow decomposition and conversion of such leaves into nutrients required for the tree.

According to activist Brajnandan Pathak, complete enforcement of the ban on leaf plucking is a challenging job. Shrine management committee secretary N. Dorje, however, claimed effective steps have been taken to prevent devotees touching the sacred tree. The measures are foolproof, Dorje claimed.

As per guidelines issued by scientists, the number of visitors to the shrine must be regulated to prevent compaction of the soil on the western side of the tree. Scientists believe soil compaction caused by heavy footfall blocks the sub-surface supply line of moisture and nutrients required for maintaining the health parameters of the tree.

Banning the entry of more than a specified number of visitors was simply not possible in view of the emotional attachment of devotees, said Dorje.

He added: “But all efforts have been taken to minimise the chances of soil compaction. For that seasonal flowers are planted between April and September. During the tourist season, wooden platforms are put in place for rituals so that the devotees do not have to sit on the ground.”

On other regulatory measures, the shrine committee secretary said a separate exit gate was being commissioned. As of now, visitors enter and exit the shrine from the same gate and during peak season a commotion-like scene is witnessed. An exit gate would be in place very soon, Dorje said.

Other recommendations include complete darkness in the tree vicinity from 10pm till the morning to allow photosynthesis.

The Dehradun-based Forest Research Institute cares for the tree. The institute’s scientists, besides conducting a health check-up twice a year, intervene whenever problems such as premature falling and paling of the leaves occur.