New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inaugurated the ‘Arpan Kendra ’, an old clothes donation centre, at Punjabi Bagh West Metro Station, an official said on Monday.
The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation to promote the collection of usable old garments, along with their reuse, recycling and upcycling.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also observed the QR code-based digital system for the clothing donation process.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that building a Viksit Delhi is not just about constructing roads, bridges and Metro lines, but also about responsible citizens, respect for resources and a collective commitment to protecting the environment.
She said a truly developed society is built when waste is transformed into a resource and development goes hand in hand with nature conservation.
The event was attended by Madipur MLA Kailash Gangwal, DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar, Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation president Shalini Singh, senior officials and other dignitaries, said an official statement.
The Chief Minister said that recycling old clothes is not merely a way to reduce waste but also an effective means of conserving water, energy and natural resources.
Every garment donated by a citizen, she said, can contribute to environmental protection while also bringing a positive change in the life of someone in need.
The concept for the initiative was introduced on May 3, under which Arpan Kendras are being established at 10 major Delhi Metro stations.
As part of the first phase, Arpan Kendras were launched on Monday at five major stations: Shalimar Bagh, Punjabi Bagh West, Mayur Vihar Phase-1, Shahdara and Rohini West.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between the concerned organisations, said the statement.
Textile collection-cum-sale kiosks are being set up at all the selected Metro stations, where citizens can donate their usable old clothes. To make the process convenient, the entire donation system has been made digital and transparent, said the statement.
Donors will be able to contribute their garments through a QR code-based system and will receive a digital receipt, helping ensure wider public participation.
The Chief Minister said one of the most significant aspects of the initiative is the active involvement of women’s self-help groups. Women will participate in the operation of the centres as well as the collection, segregation, recycling and upcycling of garments, creating new opportunities for dignified livelihoods and self-employment.
She said this integrated model of environmental conservation and women’s empowerment marks an important step towards Delhi’s sustainable development.
–IANS
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