The Calcutta High Court has stayed an order allowing the felling of trees in an eco-sensitive zone, providing relief to environmental activists who had challenged the decision. Background: The case began when the state government issued an order allowing the felling of trees in an eco-sensitive zone, citing the need for development projects. Parties: The petitioners, the environmental activists, argued that the felling of trees would cause irreparable harm to the environment and that the decision was taken without proper consultation. The respondents, the state government, claimed that the felling of trees was necessary for development projects and that the decision was taken after due consideration. Legal issues: The court considered whether the felling of trees was lawful and whether the state government had followed the necessary procedures. Court observations: The court observed that the felling of trees would cause irreparable harm to the environment and that the state government had failed to follow the necessary procedures. Significance: The stay order is significant as it highlights the need for the state government to take proactive steps to protect the environment and to ensure that development projects are carried out in a sustainable manner. The case also raises questions about the role of the government in balancing development needs with environmental concerns.