Bigg Boss Kannada Studio Sealed: KSPCB Shuts Down Reality Show Over Environmental Violations

Bengaluru authorities have sealed Jollywood Studios and Adventures, resulting in the immediate shutdown of the Bigg Boss reality show on Tuesday evening.

All contestants have been evacuated from the Bigg Boss house and escorted off the premises following the enforcement action.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) issued closure orders for the Bigg Boss Kannada studio, citing legal non-compliance and operation without proper permissions.

Season 12 of the popular reality show, hosted by Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep, had just recently launched before the shutdown.

Ramanagara Tahsildar Tejaswini personally oversaw the operation. The closure has affected approximately 700 individuals, including technical staff who had been working in three rotating shifts for the past six months.

The Bigg Boss house, constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 5 crore, has now been officially sealed. The palace-like structure was built on an unprecedented scale according to Kichcha Sudeep's creative vision.

Sources indicate that arrangements have been made for all contestants to be temporarily accommodated at Eagleton Resort, with organizers facilitating their transportation by car.

State Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre addressed the situation, stating, "Despite receiving violation notices, they continued operations. No one stands above the law, and appropriate legal action will be taken."

"Vels Studios and Entertainment received notice from Ramanagar Regional officers in March 2024. I've been informed they lack required permissions under the Water and Air Acts. They haven't bothered to obtain or even apply for these permissions," Khandre elaborated.

The minister further explained that despite multiple inspections and notices, the continued operation of activities and the amusement park constitutes a violation of Supreme Court orders.

Khandre added, "This also violates National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives. Therefore, a closure notice has been issued for non-compliance with regulations."

When questioned about the government's stance on shutting down the Bigg Boss reality show, Khandre responded: "Action will proceed according to legal provisions. Everyone must respect the law. It's our responsibility to enforce regulations, and we will fulfill that duty."

"The show's producers have the right to appeal through proper legal channels if they wish," he noted.

Previously, authorities had issued a notice to cut power connections to the facility, amid allegations of illegal electricity sourcing.

The Bigg Boss show was being conducted at the 35-acre Jollywood Studios and Adventures, operated by Vels Studios and Entertainment Private Limited, located in Bidadi in Ramanagara district on Bengaluru's outskirts.

The KSPCB order directed the Managing Director of Bescom to instruct relevant engineers to disconnect the power supply until further notice.

The closure directive was issued under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, in conjunction with Rule 20(A) of Karnataka Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1983.

The KSPCB stated that the closure orders were issued due to Vels Studios and Entertainment Private Limited's failure to comply with provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.