This is making it difficult to preserve the stone with Buddha´s footprints inside the temple, according to Basanta Bidari, conservationist at the Lumbini Development Trust. Trust officials have covered the stone and other historical items with plastic sheets to protect them.
Rainwater has been trickling in through the roof for the past few years. The leak occurred after the roof developed cracks, Bidari said. Trust staff have been using pumping machines to pump out water that collects at the bottom of the temple. Monks are complaining that there has been no effort to repair the roof even several years after the roof started leaking.
The temple was renovated eight years ago. An official at the Trust alleged that the cracks appeared because of serious mistakes made during the renovation. He added that the renovation contractor´s negligence has put the temple in danger and that the government has remained a mute spectator.
Bidari said the higher authorities have been informed about the problem.
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