The Supreme Court of India has temporarily halted the felling and transplantation of trees for the Kolkata Metro Rail project, allowing construction to proceed without any tree removal. This decision follows a challenge to a previous ruling by the Calcutta High Court, which had permitted such actions despite environmental concerns raised by the People United For Better Living in Kolkata (PUBLIC). The Court issued notices to the West Bengal government and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), seeking further responses regarding the impact on the Maidan area, a significant green space. Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan emphasized the need to protect the environment while allowing the metro project to continue. A follow-up hearing is scheduled in three weeks to reassess the situation and the implications for local ecology. This ruling highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and environmental conservation efforts in India.