Team Herald

CURCHOREM: The Principal Scientist A R Desai of Indian Council of Agricultural Research Centre (ICAR) at Ella-Old Goa and the Scientist Maruthadurai visited at Quepem on Thursday to give treatment to ‘Baobab’ tree near the Quepem police station.

The huge tree, called "Gorakchinch" in Konkani and is standing tall near the temple and the Cross dedicated to St Francis Xavier, planted by the Portuguese, was infected with some unknown black substance and the issue was highlighted by Herald in August last year, following the demand of the local residents.

Speaking to Herald Dessai said they do not know the initial cause of injuries but some treatment has been given to prevent it from further infection. 

"Some roots were infected and we have given treatment to encourage root growth by applying some chemicals in order to get new roots so that entire tree could survive,  he said, adding that if no treatement was done the portion of the tree would rot. He said efforts have been made to protect the tree as very few such trees exist in Goa, promising to inspect the tree often.

According to Quepem Municipal Councillor Manuel Colaco, who visited the site after reading the Herald report, he  was sad on seeing the condition of the tree and immediately started working on it with his friend James Fernandes, who contacted the agriculture officer at Panjim.

He said they will construct a small wall around the tree to protect the bark.