KSPCB Shuts Down Bigg Boss Kannada Studio, Sparks Political Row In Karnataka

**Bengaluru: Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Shuts Down Kannada Big Boss Studio Amid Political Controversy**

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) recently ordered the shutdown of the studio hosting the Kannada reality show *Big Boss*, located inside an amusement park at Bidadi on the outskirts of Bengaluru. This move has sparked a political controversy, with the opposition BJP and JD(S) accusing Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar of “witch hunting” the show’s anchor, popular Kannada actor Sudeep.

### Background of the Controversy

In March, during the inauguration of the Bengaluru International Film Festival, D K Shivakumar and Sudeep engaged in a public spat on social media. Several leading Kannada actors declined participation in the festival, citing busy shooting schedules. Shivakumar openly expressed his displeasure over the film industry’s lack of cooperation despite government efforts to promote film activities in the state.

In response, Sudeep took to social media to criticize Shivakumar’s remarks. During the inauguration itself, Shivakumar was quoted saying the government could “tighten the nuts and bolts” by refusing shooting permissions. Although the episode seemed to conclude there, it appears to have set the stage for further developments.

### Closure of Jolly Wood Amusement Park

After issuing multiple notices over the past two years, KSPCB finally decided to shut down Jolly Wood amusement park, where *Big Boss Kannada* was being filmed. On Tuesday evening, the Ramanagar District administration sealed the amusement park and instructed all participants to vacate the studio premises. The *Big Boss* participants were subsequently relocated to the nearby Eagleton Resorts to continue the show.

Following the closure, Union Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy took to social media, alleging that the “nut and bolt tightening minister” (referring to D K Shivakumar) was behind the studio shutdown as an act of revenge against Sudeep. The BJP also joined the criticism, calling the move an assault on the actor.

Legislative Council opposition leader Narayanaswamy further accused Shivakumar of attacking not only the entertainment industry but also the Valmiki community, to which Sudeep belongs. The Valmiki community is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in Karnataka.

### Official Responses

Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre came to Shivakumar’s defense, stating that the Deputy Chief Minister had no involvement in the closure. According to Khandre, the action was purely administrative, taken by the Pollution Control Board after the amusement park repeatedly failed to respond to notices over the last two years.

“Even I did not know about the closure until it hit the media,” Khandre said. “The Pollution Control Board has been issuing notices to the amusement park, but they did not comply. They must approach the court to get the appropriate orders for reopening.”

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also denied holding any personal grudge. “I had inaugurated the amusement park as it is located in my home district. Why would I want it shut down? If there are any violations, I have instructed the district administration to give them some time and allow them to continue shooting,” he stated.

### Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Meanwhile, Jolly Wood Studio and Entertainment, along with the *Big Boss* show organizers, approached the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday challenging the closure. They also requested the Ramanagar District Commissioner (DC) for additional time to comply with pollution control norms.

The DC agreed to grant a 10-day conditional permit on the condition that the amusement park rectifies issues related to its Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Additionally, the DC instructed them to obtain necessary permissions from the Pollution Control Board.

The Pollution Control Board, however, demanded that both parties submit a sworn affidavit since the amusement park failed to take any steps to control pollution over the past two years. Consequently, the amusement park withdrew its High Court application and is in the process of submitting the sworn affidavit.

### Pollution Issues Cited by the Board

The *Big Boss* show is filmed at a studio within the Jolly Wood Studios and Entertainment complex, situated in the Bidadi Industrial Area of Ramanagar taluk. For over two years, KSPCB has issued notices to the amusement park for discharging untreated sewage into the Vrishabhavathi river.

The park has a 250 KLT capacity Sewage Treatment Plant, which has reportedly never been utilized. Instead, approximately 2.5 lakh liters of untreated sewage generated daily has been directly discharged into the river flowing behind the studio premises.

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As the legal and political tussle unfolds, the future of the *Big Boss Kannada* shoot at the Jolly Wood amusement park remains uncertain—pending compliance with environmental regulations and court directives.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/kspcb-shuts-down-bigg-boss-kannada-studio-sparks-political-row-in-karnataka

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