Bengaluru, October 8, 2025 – Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, which faced an abrupt halt due to environmental violations, is set to resume after intervention from Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) had previously ordered the show's production site, located at Jolly Wood Studios & Adventures near Bidadi, to cease operations due to improper waste disposal and failure to adhere to environmental norms.
The KSPCB's notice cited the discharge of untreated wastewater outside the premises, posing a threat to the surrounding ecosystem. Inspections revealed that a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), claimed to be of 250 KLD capacity, was not properly connected or commissioned, leading to wastewater being released without treatment. The board also highlighted the lack of proper segregation of solid waste, including plastic and paper, and the absence of a clear layout for wastewater flow and STP functioning. Additionally, the presence of two diesel generator (DG) sets, with capacities of 625 kVA and 500 kVA, added to the environmental concerns.
The shutdown led to the evacuation of the Bigg Boss house, with police and KSRP units blocking entry to the studio. Participants were escorted out, and the production team was instructed to comply fully with environmental regulations. The closure sparked political accusations, with the Janata Dal (Secular) [JDS] accusing Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of orchestrating the shutdown. Shivakumar refuted these claims, emphasizing the importance of employment opportunities.
Following the KSPCB's order, BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) was directed to disconnect the power supply to the Bigg Boss Kannada set. The production team explored the possibility of a temporary relocation while working to address the environmental concerns raised by the pollution control board.
The grand opening of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 had taken place recently, with 19 contestants entering the house. However, the show faced immediate challenges, including the eviction of two contestants, RJ Amith and Karibasappa, in the first week. Now, with D.K. Shivakumar's intervention to lift the seal, the show is expected to resume, provided that the production team addresses the environmental violations and complies with the KSPCB's requirements. The deputy chief minister has stated that employment is important and has given an opportunity for the show to continue.
The resolution of this environmental row brings relief to fans of Bigg Boss Kannada, who were left uncertain about the show's future. The incident, however, underscores the importance of environmental compliance for large-scale productions and the potential consequences of neglecting environmental regulations.
