Forest Research Institute, Dehradun,to protect sacred Bodhi tree

Gaya, June 28 (UNI) The Bihar government is committed to maintaining the sanctity of the Mahabodhi temple and ensure its conservation in most scientific and pollution free manner, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said today.

Concerned over the reported theft of some antique idols from the Mahabodhi temple here and alleged felling of branches of the sacred Bodhi tree, he announced some steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

After inspecting the temple premises and the sacred tree during his day long visit with senior state government officials here yesterday, the Chief minister announced his decision to handover the temple to Dehradun-based Forest Research Institute soon. The modalities of the entire process had already been worked out with the institute, he said.

Experts from the Institute would also look into the allegations of involvement of criminals in cutting the sacred tree under which Lord Buddha had attainted enlightenment, he added.

The preliminary assessment of the overall condition of the tree would also be done by the experts soon, Mr Kumar said.

Surveillance cameras would soon be installed in and around temple premises to prevent stealing of rare idols, he added.

UNI