Pollution Control Board chairman asserts legal procedures must be followed; calls for swift resolution of dispute
Bengaluru
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Chairman P.M. Narendra Swamy has clarified that the Deputy Commissioner has no authority to grant time or relief to Bidadi’s Jollywood Studios and Adventure Park, which has been sealed by the Board for environmental violations.
Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Swamy said that Jollywood Studios had received three notices since 2024 for pollution-related violations, and after repeated non-compliance, a closure order was issued. “If the company seeks any extension or reconsideration, it must submit a formal request to the Pollution Control Board. The matter will then be reviewed and decided according to the law,” he said.
He further clarified that the Board’s action has no direct link to the Bigg Boss reality show being filmed on a smaller portion—about 1.5 acres—of the same 30-acre premises. “We have not issued any notice to Bigg Boss. If the show’s operations are affected, Jollywood Studios must take responsibility for misleading them,” he added.
Responding to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s recent remarks suggesting that Jollywood should be given time to rectify its mistakes, Swamy said, “The Deputy Commissioner or any other official has no jurisdiction in this matter. The decision to seal the studio was taken by the Board as per due process.”
Asked about Jollywood’s reported petition to the Bangalore South District Magistrate, Swamy said, “Such petitions should be filed with the Pollution Control Board, which has the statutory authority. Approaching any other office will not help. The Board will act strictly according to environmental law.”
Swamy reiterated that the ongoing tussle between Jollywood Studios and the Pollution Control Board should be resolved swiftly and within the legal framework.