Bigg Boss Kannada 12 studio agrees to pay penalty, compliance with norms

Prime Minister Narendra Swamy, Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), said on Sunday that Vels Studio and Entertainment Ltd., the amusement park where the current version of the Big Boss reality show is shot, has written to the Board stating that it will comply with environmental norms and pay Environmental Compensation (EC).

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, KSPCB Chairman said Vels Studio and Entertainment Ltd. (Jolly Wood Studios and Adventures) had written to the Board last week stating that it will comply with all rules and pay any penalty in case of violation of environmental norms.

In October, KSPCB had ordered the closure of the studio in Bidadi Industrial Area in South Bengaluru district for non-compliance with environmental norms.

KSPCB issued an order on October 6, stating that Vels Studio and Entertainment Ltd. is an amusement park falling under the green category, established and operated without valid permission from the board.

The Big Boss reality show was stopped just 10 days after it started due to the studio being sealed due to violation of environmental rules.

However, the Bengaluru South district authorities lifted the seal on the studio on October 9 after intervention by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Mr. Shivakumar said that the makers of Bigg Boss Kannada should be given a chance to correct their mistakes and be allowed to reopen the show.

KSPCB Chairman said, “First of all, they did not receive approval from the Board. Our decision to close is still valid even today. However, the local government has to decide. Since the studio wrote to us that they will correct their mistakes and pay the EC, we will discuss and evaluate the request.”

He added that the fine the studio will have to pay will amount to several million rupees.