Citing serious environmental regulation violations, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on Tuesday directed the immediate closure of the studio premises hosting Kannada edition of Bigg Boss. The state pollution control board also instructed the police to seize the unit and directed the Managing Director of Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) to cut off power to the premises. The order comes after the recent launch of Bigg Boss Kannada’s season 12.
In a notice dated October 6, the Board addressed Vels Studios and Entertainment Private Limited (Jolly Wood Studios & Adventures), instructing that all activities be halted immediately. The KSPCB noted that the premises were being used for large-scale entertainment and studio operations without obtaining the required permissions.
“Despite repeated inspection and notices to them, they continued running their amusement park and activities, which is a violation of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal orders. Since they did not comply with any orders, the closure notice was served,” Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre told reporters.
Discharge of untreated wastewater
According to KSPCB, the wastewater from various sections of the park was being discharged untreated into the surrounding environment. The order was issued on September 16 during the State Level Enforcement Committee meeting, following observed non-compliance with prior directives.
The order also asked the studio to submit an explanation to the Board within a stipulated period. The notice warned that failure to comply would invite penal action under applicable environmental laws.
Bigg Boss Kannada, hosted by actor Kichcha Sudeep, has been filmed at the custom-built Bidadi set for several years. Known for its elaborate production and high viewer engagement, the show is one of the state’s most-watched television programmes.