Gaya, Feb. 7: The marble slabs around the base of the sacred Bodhi tree on the Mahabodhi Mahavihara premises would be removed after the tourist season ends in late-February or early March.

According to the advice of experts, the marble blocks near the roots of the Bodhi tree and elsewhere on the temple’s premises should be replaced with sandstone slabs. Space should be left between the sandstone block to plant grass. This would allow better aeration of the tree’s roots.

On February 3, chief minister Nitish Kumar, who visited Bodhgaya to inaugurate the Bodh Mahotsav, had instructed the authorities concerned to remove the marble slabs that are also affecting the structure of the temple adversely.

Sources said work on the project would begin soon.

Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee member secretary Nangzey Dorjee told The Telegraph that the work for replacement of the marble tiles would start this year once the tourist season ends. He said: “There has been a delay in replacing the marble tiles. But there will be no compromise with the quality of work.”

A proposal has been submitted to Archaeological Society of India (ASI) for the removal of the marble tiles.

“There is no dearth of funds. We would like the ASI to undertake the work. If there is any need for another agency to do some work, the temple management committee will take a decision accordingly,” added Dorjee

Experts of Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun have suggested that the marble tiles be replaced with sandstone and grass.

In its technical report — compiled between November 2007 and October 2009 — for the upkeep and maintenance of the sacred Bodhi tree and for the beautification of the world heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara complex, FRI has suggested that space should be left between sandstone tiles to grow grass. This would provide better aeration to the roots of the Bodhi tree.

Former ASI director-general Jagpati Joshi and former joint director-general of ASI B.N. Tandon, in their report of April 2008, claimed: “The marble flooring around the temple is adversely affecting the structure. As marble is less porous, it does not allow the evaporation of sub-soil water.”

They also claimed: “As a result, the moisture-content rises and is absorbed in the old brick architecture.”

Dorjee said the recommendation for replacement of the marble tiles would be followed soon. He added: “We will seek the guidance of the ASI and the FRI experts will be sought during the process.”

Dorjee also said: “BTMC had signed a memorandum of understanding with the FRI for two years first time in 2007 when it was reported that the Bodhi tree was affected with milibug disease. Currently, we have a five-year contract with the FRI. In their last report in September last year, the FRI scientists have said that the Bodhi tree is in good health.”