by Suresh Pd Nikhar
Gaya: A team of scientists from the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, led by Dr. Santan Bharthawal and Dr. Sailesh Pandey, conducted a routine health inspection of the sacred Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya on Tuesday.
Following a detailed assessment of the tree’s main trunk and foliage, the team confirmed that the Bodhi tree is in excellent health, showing vibrant green leaves and no signs of major stress.
During the inspection, a minor mealybug infestation was detected on a few small branches—a common occurrence at the onset of the monsoon. The affected areas were treated with a chemical spray under scientific supervision. Additionally, as a precaution, a mild treatment was administered to safeguard the tree’s overall health.
A dried and infected branch was also removed, along with general pruning of dead and weakened parts, to ensure continued vitality of the sacred tree.
The visit highlights the regular conservation efforts taken to preserve one of Buddhism’s most revered living symbols.
