The FRI recorded 131 trees in its study. These trees belong to 25 species with Tetrameles, better known as Speung, being the most prominent.

The project report prepared by the FRI was approved recently at a seminar of International Co-coordinating Committee for Restoration and Conservation of Monumental Heritage Sites of the World held at Siem Reap in Cambodia.

Dr Biswas said, “We have studied the region in both micro and macro terms and on the basis of our observations we have suggested the measures for conservation. For example, the trees around the temple get waterlogged during the rains and as a result, their roots get exposed. The visitors trample upon the exposed roots. We have suggested installation of small wooden planks over such roots. Similarly, visitors climb up and sit on the tree branches. We have suggested the installation of wooden culverts. We have identified the causes of disease and decay and have also come up with solutions.”

The FRI proposes to cover the exposed roots of the trees with sterilised local soil. It plans to install aesthetically suitable wooden and iron props to provide support to the leaning trees. In addition to this, there is a proposal to regulate the movement of tourists near the trees. Besides supervising and supplementing the conservation of the temple and the trees, the FRI will also develop local capacities so that Cambodian experts can undertake similar projects on their own in the future.