Gaya: Scientists from the Dehradun-based Forest Research Institute checked up the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya on Thursday and prescribed planting of ornamental plants to check hardening of soil near it.

The tree, the popular belief goes, shielded the Buddha from a scorching summer sun during the last days of his seven-week non-stop meditation to attain divinity.

The check-up was jointly conducted by Amit Pandey and Santan Barthwal. Whereas Pandey is a plant pathologist, Barthwal is a plant physiologist at Dehradun. Pandey led the two-member team.

The area of concern related to hardening of soil to the west of the tree. The soil has hardened on account of heavy footfall by devotees from the world over. Soil compaction has blocked channels carrying nutrients and moisture to the tree's roots and needs to be loosened.

Asked if limiting the number of visitors would help, the scientist said that though desirable, the idea was not practical. He recommended planting ornamental and seasonal plants and flowers there. Besides loosening soil, such plants will automatically block entry of visitors to the vulnerable areas, he said.

Pandey said the tree was in reasonably good health and freshness of the new leaves was reassuring. Pandey had rushed to Bodhgaya a few months back, following large-scale premature felling of leaves. At that time, the scientist applied medicated paste at several points on the tree. Asked if there was need for application of more paste, he said right now the fresh leaves were quite tender and medication was not required at this stage.

Pandey said night-long illumination in the vicinity of the tree was a health hazard, as it adversely affected the process of photosynthesis. He recommended switching off lights near the tree by 9pm. Failure would have a long-term impact on the tree, he said.