Tree cutting for Chitrotpala Film City sparks protest in Naya Raipur

Nava Raipur | Correspondent: Tree felling has resumed in the Mana-Tuta area of Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, for the construction of Chitrotpala Film City. When workers began cutting trees, villagers tried to stop them by hugging the trees. A scuffle broke out between the villagers and police who arrived at the spot. A video of the incident has also surfaced.

Police took 10 protesting villagers to Mana police station. After learning about their detention, several Congress leaders and party workers reached the station. The group included the presidents of the city and rural district Congress committees. They surrounded the police station and protested against the detention. The police released the villagers about an hour later.

Tree cutting resumes after earlier protest

On Tuesday, villagers learned that trees were being cut down in the forest and reached the site to demand an immediate halt to the work. Congress workers also joined the protest.

Following their opposition, tree cutting was stopped for some time. However, the work has now resumed on a larger scale. Local residents have warned that they will launch another protest if the cutting continues.

Trees are 30 to 40 years old

According to the villagers, Chitrotpala Film City is being built across an area of around 100 acres. They fear that many trees will be cut down to make way for the project.

The villagers say the trees being removed are around 30 to 40 years old. They believe cutting down trees that have taken decades to grow will harm the environment.

They have clarified that they are not against development. However, they want the government to protect mature trees and choose another suitable location in Naya Raipur for the Film City.

What is the Chitrotpala film city project?

Chitrotpala Film City and a Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre are being developed in the Mana-Tuta area of Naya Raipur.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai performed the bhumi pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) for the project on January 24, 2024. The main aim is to promote filmmaking in Chhattisgarh and establish the state as an important destination for film and web series production.

The project includes two major developments, a film city with an approved allocation of ₹95.79 crore and Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre, that has an approved allocation of ₹52.03 crore.

Both projects are planned under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which involves cooperation between the government and private companies. Private investment of around ₹300 crore is expected.

Film city to have modern shooting facilities

The Film City is planned to offer modern facilities for shooting films and web series. It will include permanent sets designed to look like real locations, such as roads, a railway station and an airport.

These facilities are expected to make it easier for filmmakers to shoot movies and shows in Chhattisgarh without having to build such settings from scratch for every production.

Project expected to boost tourism and jobs

The Chitrotpala Film City project is expected to encourage film production, attract tourists and create employment opportunities for local people.

The Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre is planned as a venue for cultural programmes, exhibitions and other public events. Together, the two projects aim to promote the state's film industry and cultural heritage.

Villagers demand development without destroying forests

Despite the expected economic and tourism benefits, tree cutting has become a major concern for local residents. They want the government to protect the forest and save trees that have taken decades to grow.

The villagers say development should not come at the cost of the environment. They are demanding that the authorities consider an alternative location for the Film City and stop cutting the existing mature trees.

The dispute continues to highlight the challenge of balancing development projects with forest conservation and the concerns of local communities.