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A day after the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) sealed Jollywood Studios and Adventures where reality show Bigg Boss Kannada is being filmed, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shiva Kumar directed authorities to revoke the order.
In a social media post on Wednesday, October 8, Shivakumar said, “While environmental compliance remains a top priority, the studio will be given time to address violations in accordance with the norms set by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. I remain committed to supporting the Kannada entertainment industry while upholding our responsibility toward environmental protection.”
The KSPCB had sealed the 35-acre Jollywood Studios, located in Bidadi, Ramanagara district, on Tuesday night, halting the production of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12. The show, hosted by actor Kichcha Sudeep, had recently begun its new season.
Authorities alleged that the studio was operating without mandatory environmental permissions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Officials also accused the studio of releasing untreated sewage water and running entertainment and amusement activities without valid licences.
The Bigg Boss house was reportedly built at a cost of over Rs 5 crore. Following the shutdown, the premises were vacated, and the contestants moved to Eagleton Resort temporarily.
In its closure order, the KSPCB directed BESCOM to disconnect the power supply to the premises and cited non-compliance under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, read with Rule 20(A) of the Karnataka Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1983.
The studio, operated by Vels Studios and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., had previously received multiple notices over alleged violations before the closure was enforced.