08 October,2025 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
DK Shivkumar and still from Bigg Boss Kannada
On Tuesday, it was reported that the studio hosting Bigg Boss Kannada had to be sealed shut for violating environmental laws. This brought the show hosted by Kichcha Sudeepa to a sudden halt. Now, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed the accusation made by Janata Dal (Secular) JD(S) on the crackdown on Bigg Boss Kannada studio and stated that they are "doing politics", adding that JD(S) and JD(S) president H. D. Kumaraswamy "can't sleep without taking my name".
Shivakumar, while addressing the media, said, "Kumaraswamy and JD(S) are doing only politics. I am least bothered about their comments. They can't sleep without taking my name. I inquired about the incident, which was done through KSPCB. I have sent the officials to conduct an inspection."
Highlighting his commitment to safeguarding the interests of the entertainment industry, he said, "We must safeguard the interests of the entertainment industry...I personally called DC and SP and guided them to take action through the law. I have asked them to give them an opportunity. I also contacted the chairman of the pollution control board. Private investments might go wrong. But the entertainment industry should be retained. This is my order to them."
In the official communication, the Board stated, "The said premises are being used for large-scale entertainment and studio operations without obtaining the required Consent for establishment and Consent for Operation under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981."
The notice added, "In view of the violations observed, you are hereby directed to close down the operations with immediate effect and to furnish an explanation to this office within the stipulated period."
The notice further cautioned that "failure to comply with this order will attract penal action under relevant environmental laws." The Bigg Boss Kannada edition, hosted by actor Kichcha Sudeep, has been filmed in a custom-built set at Bidadi for several years. The show, among the state's most-watched television programmes, is known for its elaborate production scale and high viewer engagement.
According to a report by NDTV, untreated wastewater from the premises was being discharged outside the site, causing environmental contamination. However, the production team of the reality show claimed to have installed a 250 KLD-capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). But inspectors found that the facility lacked proper internal drainage connections and that the STP units were lying idle and uncommissioned. Reportedly, the wastewater was being released openly without any form of treatment, posing a serious threat to the surrounding ecosystem. The report also revealed poor waste management practices.
