Plantation of Bodhi Tree by Indian Ambassador inside Lumbini sensitive area falls into controversy

13 DEC 1024, Lumbini- Disputes have arisen following the plantation of a Bodhi Tree in the premises of the Mayadevi Temple in the sacred Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, by the Indian side.

India's Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae planted a sapling of Bodhi Tree on the west side of the Mayadevi Temple last Wednesday, December 10, 2014. The site where the tree has been planted is in the UNESCO World Heritage list and has been categorised as the 'risk map' zone by the Department of Archeology. Plantation of any tree in the archeologically sensitive area is not allowed, but ignoring such provision, the Indian side planted the Bodhi tree inside 100 meters of the Mayadevi Temple.  

A high source at the Lumbini Development Trust has said the incident was a result of the lack of seriousness on the part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as it did not feel necessary to cooperate with the Ministry of Culture, Department of Archeology and the Trust before allowing the Indian side to plant the tree in a highly sensitive site.  

The plot, (out of 42 plots inside the sacred garden of Lumbini) where the Tree has been planted is the most sensitive and important zone, according to Trust member secretary Ajitman Tamang.

The tree had to be planted in the tree plantation zone outside the garden, but the Indian side turned a deaf ear towards the calls of the Trust senior officials to that end. The move of the Indian side has drawn serious concerns of archeologists as well.  

Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Sureshman Shrestha, called for shifting the newly planted tree to another location.

Director General of the Department of Archeology, Bhesh Narayan Dahal said that the plantation of any type of tree inside the archeological sites declared by the Department is prohibited.

"Though I am not sure of the site where the Indian Ambassador planted the tree, it would give a positive message if it is removed and instead planted in the tree plantation zone. A Bodhi Tree expands roots, which can damage the archeological site. Its alternative should be sought immediately," Dahal said.

Although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to visit Lumbini and plant the sapling in a distance of some 500 meters north from the Mayadevi Temple during his visit to attend the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu, his Lumbini visit was cancelled due to his busy schedule and Ambassador Rae planted it on behalf of the Indian PM.  

The sapling was brought from Bodhgaya, the holy place where Buddha had achieved enlightenment.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote the Trust asking it to allow the Indian Ambassador to plant the tree in the risky zone and the Trust was obliged to follow the Ministry direction despite its unwillingness to do the same.

When the Trust officials tried to convince the Indian side to plant the tree in a safe zone, the latter denied the call and said they would go back without planting the tree if they were not allowed to plant it inside the risky zone.  The roots of the Bodhi tree will likely cause damage to the Mayadevi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar and other historic structures if it is not shifted to another location immediately.

Locally known as peepal, the Bodhi tree is a sacred tree under which Lord Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. RSS