Karnataka Pollution Control Board Orders Immediate Closure of Bigg Boss Studio for Environmental Violations

The Karnataka Pollution Control Board has ordered the closure of the Bigg Boss studio in Bidadi due to significant environmental violations. Authorities sealed the premises following a notice issued to Vels Studios and Entertainment Private Limited for operating without necessary permits.

The studio hosting the Kannada reality show Bigg Boss in Bidadi was sealed by Bengaluru South district authorities. This action followed an order from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) due to significant environmental regulation breaches. Officials, accompanied by police, locked the premises after the board's directive.

The KSPCB had issued a notice to Vels Studios and Entertainment Private Limited, operating as Jolly Wood Studios & Adventures. The notice demanded an immediate halt to all activities at the site. It highlighted that the studio was conducting large-scale operations without necessary consents under the Water and Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Acts.

Environmental Compliance Issues

The board's communication emphasised that the studio lacked required permissions for establishment and operation. The notice stated, "The said premises are being used for large-scale entertainment and studio operations without obtaining the required consent for establishment and consent for operation under the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974, and the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1981."

Copies of this closure order were sent to various officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Ramanagara District. The Managing Director of BESCOM and engineers from Ramanagara Taluk were also informed to ensure compliance with this directive. Non-compliance would result in penal action under relevant environmental laws.

Minister's Statement on Violations

Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre commented on the situation. He stated that despite inspections and notices, the studio continued its operations unlawfully. "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," he told reporters.

Minister Khandre further explained that a notice had been served in March 2024 by the regional commissioner. He noted that no licences under the Water Act and Air Act were obtained by the studio. "I had got the information that they had not obtained any licence under the Water Act and Air Act, which they were supposed to," he added.

Impact on Bigg Boss Kannada

The Bigg Boss Kannada edition has been filmed at this location for several years. Hosted by actor Kichcha Sudeep, it is one of Karnataka's most popular television shows known for its grand production scale. The show's future filming plans are now uncertain due to these regulatory issues.

This incident underscores the importance of adhering to environmental regulations for large-scale entertainment projects. Authorities are keen on ensuring compliance to protect ecological interests while balancing entertainment industry needs.

With inputs from PTI