Overview

• The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board issued an October 6 order directing Vels Studios/Jolly Wood in Bidadi to shut down operations for operating without required consents under the Water and Air Acts.
• Ramanagara district officials enforced the directive on Tuesday by sealing the premises, with power disconnection instructed to BESCOM to ensure compliance.
• Inspections found a 250 KLD sewage treatment plant installed but not commissioned with no inflow, wastewater discharged outside the site, and poor housekeeping near the STP.
• The board also cited unsegregated disposal of solid waste and the operation of diesel generator sets of 625 kVA and 500 kVA without proper permissions.
• Notices and inspections dating back to March and June 2024 preceded a State Level Enforcement Committee recommendation on September 16, with the minister stating action will proceed under law as producers consider legal options.