Daijiworld Media Network - Ramanagara/Bengaluru
Ramanagara/Bengaluru, Oct 7: Popular reality television show Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 faces an abrupt halt after Jollywood Studios, the filming location situated in the Bidadi Industrial Area, was sealed by authorities on grounds of serious environmental law violations.
Acting on directives from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), the Ramanagara district administration, led by tahsildar Tejaswini, sealed the premises on Tuesday. The action comes after repeated non-compliance with environmental norms, despite multiple notices.
According to KSPCB, Jollywood Studios, operated by Wells Studios and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., lacked mandatory environmental clearances under the Water and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Acts. Violations included the absence of a functional sewage treatment plant (STP), improper waste management, and operating diesel generators without necessary permissions.
Following the sealing, production of the show has been suspended, and officials have instructed the showrunners to vacate the premises. At present, 18 contestants remain inside the Bigg Boss house, while hundreds of crew and technical staff have been affected by the shutdown.
Forest minister Eshwar Khandre, commenting on the incident via social media platform ‘X’, stated: “No one is above the law. Violations of environmental laws will invite strict action. A notice has been issued to the studio for operating without requisite permissions, and further action is being taken as per due process.”
He further revealed that KSPCB had issued two prior notices to Jollywood Studios, which were ignored. The lack of compliance triggered the current enforcement. It was also found that waste disposal practices were substandard and that backup power systems lacked regulatory approval.
The show, which had just entered its second week, now faces an uncertain future. Sources say that while the Jollywood management has acknowledged the notice, corrective measures were not implemented in time to avert regulatory action.
The sudden closure has not only disrupted the show's broadcast but has also affected the livelihood of hundreds involved in production. With the premises sealed, the continuation of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 will depend on whether alternative arrangements can be made or permissions reinstated.
An official statement from the show's producers is awaited.