Taking the first step in making the Yamuna pollution free, the district administration has invited suggestions from people under the 'Jan Samvaad' programme, officials said on Sunday.
The first phase of the initiative commenced a couple of days ago, the officials said, adding that the Namami Gange Programme authorities would also be approached for funds.
District Magistrate Pulkit Khare said, "With the cooperation of Mathura residents, the district administration has taken a new initiative to make the Yamuna pollution free. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that the river's water remains clean."
He further said, "In the first phase, suggestions are being taken from the people to make the river clean under the 'Jan Samvaad' programme. In the second phase, efforts will be made to reach the problematic areas and the people will be motivated to join the movement," he added.
Municipal Commissioner Anunay Jha said 31 drains in Mathura and Vrindavan that directly discharge water and other pollutants into the river have been tapped.
The situation will improve further when the remaining five untapped drains are tapped, he added.
The Yamuna is the second-largest tributary of the Ganga by discharge volume.
Originating from the Yamunotri glacier in Uttarakhand, it travels 1,376 kilometres before merging with the Ganga at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years.
The Yamuna passes through 16 kilometres in Mathura district.
-With PTI Input
