KSPCB orders Bigg Boss Kannada studio closure over environmental violations

According to the board, wastewater generated from various areas within the amusement park is being discharged outside the premises without any treatment, resulting in pollution of the surrounding environment.

South First Desk

Published Oct 08, 2025 | 3:56 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 08, 2025 | 3:56 PM

Big Boss studio closure. (Screebgrab)

Synopsis: From untreated wastewater discharge to poor solid waste management, the studio—run by Vels Studios and Entertainment Pvt Ltd—has been asked to shut down operations immediately.

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board on Monday, 6 October, has ordered Bigg Boss Kannada season 12 studio, at Bidadi, Ramanagara, to be shut for environmental violations.

From untreated wastewater discharge to poor solid waste management, the studio—run by Vels Studios and Entertainment Pvt Ltd—has been asked to shut down operations immediately.

The notice issued read: “Non-compliance with the Provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 by M/s. Vels Studios and Entertainment Pvt Ltd (M/s. Jolly Wood Studios & Adventures) located at Plot No. 24 & 26, Bidadi Indi Area, Bidadi Hobli, Ramanagara Dist-reg.”

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Untreated wastewater discharge

In the notice the board observed:

The amusement park, located on Plot Nos. 24 and 26, Bidadi Hobli, Ramanagara Taluk and District, was established and is operating without obtaining prior consent from the Board.
Wastewater generated from various areas within the amusement park is being discharged outside the premises without any treatment, resulting in pollution of the surrounding environment.
Although a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with a capacity of 250 KLD has been installed, no sewer lines or inflow of sewage to the STP were observed. All STP units were found to be empty and uncommissioned. As a result, wastewater is being discharged untreated outside the premises.
Housekeeping in and around the STP area is very poor. Additionally, no flow chart has been displayed, and the STP units have not been properly labelled.
The park authorities have installed and are operating diesel generator sets with capacities of 625 KVA (2 units) and 500 KVA.
Solid waste generated at the park—including disposable paper plates, cups, and plastic waste—is being disposed of near the STP area without any segregation and in an unscientific manner.

KSPCB orders

An order was issued stating: In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 33 (A) of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, read with Rule 34 of Karnataka State Board for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution (Procedure for Transaction of Business) and the Water (Prevention & Control of pollution) Rules, 1976, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, hereby issues the following directions.

The Occupier, M/s. Vels Studios and Entertainment Pvt Ltd (M/s. Jolly Wood Studios & Adventures) located at Plot No. 24 & 26, Bidadi Indl Area, Bidadi Hobli, Ramanagara Dist to close down the operation of the unit forth with and until further orders.
The Deputy Commissioner, Ramanagara Dist, to seize the unit forthwith until further orders.
The Managing Director BESCOM, K.R. Cirele, Bengaluru-560001, to issue necessary direction to the concerned Executive Engineer and Asst Executive Engineer. (Elec), N4 & N6 Sub-Division, BESCOM, 14th Cross, Peenya Industrial Area, Bengaluru, for disconnection of power supply to the above said unit, forthwith and until further orders.
The Executive Engineer, and the Asst. Executive Engineer (Elec), Ramanagara Tq & Dist for disconnection of power supply to the above said unit, forthwith and until further orders.

DK Shivakumar on Big Boss studio closure

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar speaking to media about the closure said, “I was the one who inaugurated the Jollywood Studio where the Bigg Boss program is being filmed. I have received information from the Deputy Commissioner about what happened there, and have also said that employment is important.”

“Private individuals have invested in it, so they should be given a chance to find a solution. Bigg Boss is not the only one, other entertainment programs must also continue,” he said.

“The Pollution Control Board had issued a notice stating that Jollywood Studio had not followed pollution regulations. Action has now been taken as per the order. Officials have acted lawfully. I came to know about this through the media,” he added.

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(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)