India, May 20 -- In an initiative aimed at addressing both religious sensitivity and environmental concerns, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced that the Delhi government will establish special collection centres across the city for the respectful disposal and recycling of damaged idols of Hindu deities. The government has also invited suggestions from residents to help prepare a comprehensive framework for the initiative through public participation. The proposed campaign seeks to provide a structured and dignified system for handling old or damaged idols that are often abandoned in public places such as roadsides, parks, near water bodies or under peepal trees after years of worship in homes. Also Read - Heatwave won't let Delhi chill, Orange alert on Announcing the initiative, the Chief Minister said, "The idea is to ensure that religious faith is respected while environmental protection is also prioritised." She added that the campaign should evolve into "a people's movement" rather than remain limited to a government programme. According to the Delhi Government, dedicated collection centres will be set up where citizens can deposit damaged idols respectfully. These idols will subsequently be recycled using scientific and environmentally sustainable methods and converted into usable products. Officials said the government is currently preparing a detailed action plan for the initiative and has sought direct public feedback before finalising the framework. As part of the consultation process, residents have been asked to suggest suitable locations for collection centres, including residential colonies, markets and local wards, and recommend measures to make the system more effective and dignified. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the idol recycling initiative aims to protect religious sentiments, improve cleanliness and promote environmentally sustainable waste management through public participation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.