NEW DELHI, INDIA, February 1, 2006: The ancient Tra Prohm temple in Cambodia will be restored to its pristine glory, thanks to a new proposal envisaged by the Cambodian government involving Indian agencies. For the restoration work at the Tra Prohm, which is dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, the Cambodian government has roped in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehra Dun. While the restoration work on various Deities would be undertaken by the ASI, the preservation of scores of ancient trees in the vicinity of the temple complex would be done by the FRI. The FRI, which is one of the world’s largest institutes of its kind, will undertake a foreign assignment for the first time. “We have been asked to conserve the trees inside the temple complex,” Dr. S. S. Negi, Director of the FRI said. There are an estimated 250 ancient trees in the temple complex here, Dr Negi added. The Tra Prohm temple — which was constructed in 1139 — is situated in the Siemreap city of Cambodia. The temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma among other Gods. The FRI has developed its expertise in silviculture and documented nearly 550 tree species in Asia. A team of experts from the Forest Research Institute would be travelling to Cambodia next week, Dr. Negi said.
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