Kochi: The Kerala Cabinet has given its nod to make polluting of water bodies a non-bailable offence.

The punishment is three years imprisonment and Rs 2 lakh penalty. Draft recommendations for this were prepared by the irrigation department. An ordinance will be issued soon after discussing the matter with the Dam Safety Authority and local self-government bodies.

The move is in the wake of water bodies turning into garbage dump yards. Waste including toilet ones and animal remains​ are being indiscriminately dumped in water bodies.