Lights Out: Bigg Boss Kannada 12 Halted Over Pollution Breach

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued a stern notice to suspend operations at the filming location of the popular reality show Bigg Boss Kannada 12, citing multiple breaches of environmental regulations. The directive targets the production setup at Jolly Wood Studios & Adventures in Bidadi Hobli, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where the show is currently being recorded. This intervention comes amid growing scrutiny of entertainment productions' compliance with sustainability standards, threatening to disrupt the season hosted by actor Kiccha Sudeep, which premiered on September 29, 2025.

KSPCB Chairman PM Narendra Swamy confirmed that an inspection team uncovered untreated wastewater being discharged directly onto adjacent lands, leading to potential soil and groundwater contamination. Despite the production's claim of installing a 250 kiloliters per day (KLD) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), officials reported that the unit remained uncommissioned and disconnected from the site's internal drainage system. "The wastewater was released openly without any treatment, posing a serious threat to the local ecosystem," Swamy stated. The findings highlight a broader issue in industrial and commercial zones around Bengaluru, where rapid urbanization has strained waste management infrastructure, affecting nearby agricultural fields and water bodies in the Arkavathi River basin.

Further lapses included inadequate solid waste handling, with no evidence of segregation for items like plastic cups, paper plates, and other disposables, resulting in haphazard dumping. The site also lacked essential documentation, such as flowcharts detailing wastewater pathways or STP functionality. Compounding these concerns were two operational diesel generator sets—one of 625 kVA and another of 500 kVA—without proper emission controls or noise mitigation measures, violating air and noise pollution norms. Such generators, common on remote shoots for uninterrupted power, have faced increased regulation under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, as they contribute to localized air quality degradation in semi-rural areas like Bidadi.

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In response, the KSPCB has mandated an immediate halt to all activities until full rectification, including commissioning the STP, implementing waste segregation protocols, and securing necessary consents. To enforce compliance, the board has directed Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) to disconnect the power supply to the facility, which could force a production standstill. The move has sparked discussions in Karnataka's media circles, with fans voicing disappointment on social media while environmental activists applaud the board's proactive stance.

Bigg Boss Kannada, a franchise adapted from the Dutch format and produced by Vootee Media Works, draws millions of viewers weekly, blending drama, tasks, and evictions in a confined house setup. Past seasons have occasionally faced logistical hurdles, but this marks the first major regulatory clash for the 12th edition, which features 18 contestants, including actors and influencers. As producers scramble for solutions, the incident underscores the entertainment industry's push toward greener practices amid climate concerns.

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