Large-scale tree clearing is continuing near the Manzherok resort in Russia's Altai Republic, where authorities plan to establish a new gambling zone. Local blogger Artyom Shefer drew attention to the latest work by publishing videos of land being cleared.
Meduza reported on the situation on October 17, citing posts by local residents and regional journalists.
Shefer showed sections of forest where trees were being cut down and expressed concern about the environmental consequences.
The blogger had previously reported the destruction of trees near the resort. According to ASTRA, the latest videos may indicate that work that began in the summer is continuing.
Plans to create a gambling zone near Manzherok have prompted protests among some residents of the Altai Republic.
In February 2026, representatives of the Kurultai of the Altai People movement delivered approximately 3,900 signatures opposing the project to the regional parliament.
Despite the protests, deputies in the State Assembly of the Altai Republic supported the initiative. Russia's State Duma passed legislation establishing the gambling zone in April, and President Vladimir Putin signed it into law in May.
The gambling zone is planned near the Manzherok resort, whose development has been linked to Sberbank since 2012.
Opponents argue that the decision prioritizes the interests of major businesses while giving insufficient consideration to local residents' views.
However, not all deforestation in the area is necessarily connected directly to the gambling zone.
As the regional independent outlet Govorit NeMoskva previously reported, a new road approximately 14 kilometers long is also planned near Manzherok. Its construction may require clearing some forested areas.
The resort's management has announced plans to offset tree losses through new planting. In June, Manzherok CEO Vladimir Shcherbinin discussed a reforestation program intended to plant approximately 300 hectares of forest by the end of 2026.
Regional authorities have spoken positively about the resort's environmental initiatives.
The new videos, however, do not establish how much of the cleared forest is associated with the planned gambling zone and how much relates to road construction or other projects.
The situation around Manzherok remains a source of conflict between supporters of tourism infrastructure development and residents concerned about preserving the region's natural environment.