New Delhi, 03 August (H.S.): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inaugurated the ‘Arpan Kendra’ at Punjabi Bagh West Metro Station. The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation. The centre aims to encourage the collection, reuse, recycling, and upcycling of old but usable clothes.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also reviewed the process of clothing donation through a QR code-based digital system. She said that the vision of a developed Delhi is not limited to roads, bridges, and metro networks but is built through responsible citizens, respect for resources, and a collective commitment towards environmental protection. She added that a truly developed society can be created only when waste is transformed into resources and environmental conservation is ensured alongside development.
Rekha Gupta said that recycling old clothes is not merely a way to reduce waste but also an effective measure for conserving water, energy, and natural resources. She added that every garment donated by a citizen can contribute to environmental protection while also bringing a positive change to the lives of those in need.
The Chief Minister informed that under this initiative, such centres are being established at 10 major Delhi Metro stations. In the first phase, Arpan Kendras have been inaugurated at five key stations — Shalimar Bagh, Punjabi Bagh West, Mayur Vihar Phase-1, Shahdara, and Rohini West. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has also been signed between the concerned organisations for the implementation of the project.
Textile collection-cum-sale kiosks are being set up at all selected metro stations, where citizens can donate their usable old clothes. To ensure convenience and transparency, the entire donation process has been made digital. Donors can easily contribute their old clothes through a QR code-based system and will also receive digital receipts, encouraging greater public participation.
The Chief Minister highlighted that one of the most important aspects of the initiative is the active involvement of women self-help groups. Women will participate in the operation of these centres, including clothing collection, segregation, recycling, and upcycling processes, creating opportunities for dignified livelihoods and self-employment.
She said that this integrated model of environmental conservation and women empowerment is a significant step towards the sustainable development of Delhi. The Delhi government will continue to encourage innovations that promote environmental protection, women empowerment, employment generation, and public participation simultaneously.
The initiative is also an excellent example of strengthening the circular economy and giving practical shape to the concept of ‘Waste to Wealth’.
The Chief Minister appealed to Delhi residents to donate usable old clothes lying in their homes at Arpan Kendras. She said that even a small contribution from citizens can help reduce textile waste reaching landfills, conserve resources, protect the environment, and bring meaningful changes to the lives of needy people.
Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government aims to develop a ‘Delhi Model’ where waste is viewed as a resource, responsibility takes precedence over consumption, and environmental protection becomes an integral part of the capital’s identity.
Congratulating the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation, and all partner institutions for the innovative initiative, she expressed confidence that the campaign would play an important role in making Delhi a cleaner, greener, more compassionate, and sustainable city through public participation.
On the occasion, Madipur MLA Kailash Gangwal, DMRC Managing Director Dr. Vikas Kumar, Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation President Dr. Shalini Singh, senior officials, and other dignitaries were present.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
