Background: The Orissa High Court recently heard a PIL filed by an environmental activist, seeking to quash a notification issued by the state government allowing mining in an eco-sensitive zone. Parties: The PIL was filed by the activist, while the respondents included the state government and the mining department. Legal issues: The main issue before the court was whether the notification issued by the state government was valid. Court observations: The court quashed the notification, observing that the mining activity would cause irreparable harm to the environment. Significance: The order is significant as it provides relief to environmentalists who had been opposing the mining activity. The court's decision also highlights the need for the government to consider the environmental impact of its decisions.