NATIONAL: Karnataka Govt Orders Bigg Boss Studio Shutdown!
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has thrown a curveball at one of television’s biggest draws, ordering an immediate shutdown of the studio filming Bigg Boss Kannada.
This move, aimed at Jollywood Studios and Adventures in Bidadi near Bengaluru, stems from repeated breaches of environmental standards that authorities say have gone unchecked for months.
The board’s directive, issued under key pollution prevention laws, demands a full halt to operations until compliance is assured.
In a pointed step, it has also instructed BESCOM to cut off electricity to the site, leaving the production in limbo as Season 12 unfolds.
Minister’s Firm Stance on Enforcement
Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre addressed the uproar head-on, stressing that no entity stands above legal obligations.
He pointed out that regional officials had flagged issues back in March 2024, yet the studio pressed on without securing required consents under the Air and Water Acts.
Khandre underscored the gravity, noting these lapses defy directives from the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal.
“Our duty is to uphold the law, and we will,” he affirmed, while leaving room for the organizers to seek judicial recourse if needed.
Violations at the Heart of the Halt
Inspectors uncovered a range of shortcomings during recent checks, painting a picture of lax oversight amid the show’s high-stakes glamour.
- Untreated sewage discharge into nearby drains, bypassing any functional treatment plant.
- Inadequate handling of solid waste, with no sorting or records for everyday disposables like plastics and paper.
- Complete absence of operational consents for air emissions and water use, flouting foundational environmental safeguards.
These findings, detailed in the board’s notice, highlight how even entertainment hubs must align with sustainability mandates.
Uncertain Fate for Season 12
Launched just weeks ago on September 28, Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 has already captivated audiences with host Kiccha Sudeep’s signature flair.
But this enforcement has cast a long shadow, with filming paused and the episode lineup in flux.
Environmental activists have rallied outside the premises, pushing for swift accountability and broader scrutiny of similar sites.
As producers scramble for solutions, the incident raises tough questions about balancing cultural spectacles with ecological responsibility in a fast-growing media landscape.