Bodhi tree guards wary of snakes and scorpions

If the Bodhi tree sapling at Sanchi is attacked, the offenders are more likely to be repelled by snakes and scorpions than the guards. Five home guards in charge of security fear for their lives from the large number of snakes and scorpions seen running and crawling on the rocky hillock where the sapling is planted.

The guard's tent is pitched on bushy and rocky soil where one can expect snakes and scorpions, HT found. "I have spotted nearly 50 snakes in the past three months and hundreds of scorpions.

I have killed dozens of snakes but the fear of a snake bite lurks. Three home guards have been bitten by scorpions till date," said Noubat Singh, a home guard.