New Delhi: As textile collection-cum-sale kiosks are being set up at select metro stations where people can donate usable old clothes, ‘Arpan Kendras’ were opened at five metro stations Monday. Five more such centres will come up in a week in addition to those at Shalimar Bagh, Punjabi Bagh West, Mayur Vihar Phase-1, Shahdara and Rohini West.Donors can contribute through a QR code-based system and will receive a digital receipt. Chief minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative will strengthen the circular economy, as women’s self-help groups have been roped in for the collection, segregation, recycling and upcycling of donated clothes. The initiative has been launched in collaboration with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation.“This integrated model of environmental conservation and women’s empowerment marks an important step towards Delhi’s sustainable development. Delhi govt will continue to encourage innovations that simultaneously promote environmental protection, women’s empowerment, employment generation and public participation,” said Gupta while addressing a gathering at Punjabi Bagh metro station. She added that the initiative will translate the concept of ‘waste to wealth’ into practice.Urging people to donate their usable old clothes at Arpan Kendras, the CM said that even a small contribution would not only help reduce textile waste going to landfills but would also play an important role in environmental conservation, resource preservation and bringing positive change to the lives of those in need. She said the govt aims to develop a ‘Delhi Model’ where waste is seen as a resource and responsibility and defines the city’s approach, making environmental conservation a hallmark of the capital’s development.
