More than five decades after India’s historic Chipko movement brought forest conservation into national consciousness, scenes reminiscent of that struggle unfolded in Chhattisgarh’s capital. Villagers embraced trees to prevent their felling for the proposed Chitrotpala Film City at Mana-Tuta in Nava Raipur, triggering a confrontation with police, who took 10 protesters to Mana police station. Notably, the resistance recalled the celebrated environmental movement that emerged in the Garhwal Himalayas in 1973 and gained national prominence in 1974, when village women led by Gaura Devi confronted tree-felling contractors at Reni in present-day Uttarakhand. The act of embracing trees became an enduring symbol of grassroots environmental protection.

 

The renewed clearing sparked tension after residents attempted to obstruct workers cutting trees in the wooded area earmarked for the ambitious entertainment infrastructure project. A video purportedly showing a scuffle between villagers and police personnel also surfaced. Following the detention of protesters, Congress workers, including city and rural district party presidents, gathered outside Mana police station and staged a protest demanding their release. Police subsequently allowed the villagers to leave after approximately an hour.The confrontation followed Tuesday’s protest, when villagers and Congress workers had opposed the cutting of trees, prompting a temporary suspension of operations. However, the resumption of clearing intensified local resentment. Residents maintain that numerous trees facing removal are between 30 and 40 years old.

 

They fear extensive destruction of woodland across the approximately 100-acre project site.While expressing support for development, villagers have demanded that authorities relocate the film city elsewhere in Nava Raipur rather than sacrifice mature trees. They have threatened further demonstrations if clearing continues. The controversy surrounds the Chitrotpala Film City and Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre, whose foundation ceremony was performed by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on January 24, 2026.

 

Government has sanctioned Rs 95.79 crore for the film city and Rs 52.03 crore for the convention centre. Both are proposed under the public-private partnership model, with anticipated private investment of Rs 300 crore. The film city envisages permanent shooting sets resembling roads, railway stations and airports, alongside infrastructure for films and web series. The convention centre is intended to accommodate cultural programmes and exhibitions. The projects are expected to stimulate tourism, employment and filmmaking opportunities in Chhattisgarh even as the confrontation has sharpened questions over balancing infrastructure development with conservation of established woodland.