While Punjab government's initiative Mission Tandarust Punjab is focusing on eliminating different kinds of environmental pollution, Deputy Commissioner Bathinda Diprava Lakra today stated that strict action will be taken against those who pollute water bodies.Lakra said that the Bathinda branch provides water to seven districts for purposes of irrigation and drinking. It is generally observed that some villages along canals, drains or minors dump their waste into water bodies. Also at times farmers steal the water, which is illegal. He also called upon people to report issues of water pollution at phone number 0164-2220158. The identity of caller will be kept secret.The XEN irrigation Bathinda division Mr Gurdarshan Singh Bahia stated that there is complete ban on bathing ones animals/cattle in these water bodies. Similarly, there was ban on throwing waste or dead animals in the canals, drains or minors. It is crime to steal water be means of siphoning it off by damaging the outlets meant for irrigation. Similarly, there is complete ban on releasing sewage and other waste into the water bodies.He stated that if anyone was found disobeying any of these instructions action will be taken against him or her under North India Drainages and Canal Act 1873 section 70 that includes imprisonment, penalty or both. He appealed the people living in municipal corporation, municipal councils, nagar panchayat, gram panchayats etc to abide by the rules and cooperate with the irrigation department. He also called upon people to report issues of water pollution at phone number 0164-2220158. The identity of caller will be kept secret.