New Delhi: The Supreme court on Tuesday said that it wants to involve economists and environmentalists to estimate the value of a tree taking into account the quantum of oxygen that the tree emits during a lifetime.
A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde said in order to ascertain the value of green cover, if possible, it would like to see something more comprehensive.
"One of the experts studied developmental economics, we need an economist. This is the third case of similar nature, which has been brought before us, the other two are construction of metro shed and coastal road in Mumbai....the cost involved is enormous", said the Chief Justice.
The observation from the Apex court came during the hearing on felling of heritage trees in connection with the construction of foot over bridge at the West Bengal and Bangladesh border.
The Supreme Court observed that the valuation should be taken into account while estimating the cost of projects, which includes felling of trees for the developmental activity.
"The best solution is to avoid cutting trees", said the Chief Justice.