India, Aug. 4 -- While advancing Delhi's sustainability agenda, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inaugurated 'Arpan', a donation centre for old clothes, at Punjabi Bagh West Metro Station. The initiative seeks to transform discarded but wearable garments into a resource for reuse, recycling and upcycling, reducing textile waste while creating livelihood opportunities for women. Launching the initiative, Gupta said the campaign reflects the government's commitment to promoting sustainable waste management and encouraging responsible consumption among citizens. "'Arpan' is not just a donation centre but a movement towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Delhi. Also Read - Delhi plans subsidy to make rooftop solar cheaper Through this initiative, wearable clothes that often lie unused in homes can be reused, recycled or upcycled, reducing textile waste while benefiting those in need. At the same time, it will generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for women engaged in the collection, sorting and processing of donated clothes," she said. The Chief Minister urged residents to actively participate in the campaign by donating clothes that are no longer in use but remain wearable. "I appeal to every citizen of Delhi to become a partner in this initiative. A small contribution from every household can make a significant difference to environmental conservation and social welfare," Gupta said. Also Read - Five rescued after fire breaks out in hotel's kitchen According to the Delhi government, the initiative has been designed to strengthen the Capital's circular economy by extending the life cycle of clothing and reducing the burden of textile waste on landfills. Reusing and recycling garments is expected to conserve resources, lower waste generation and promote environmentally responsible practices. To make the initiative accessible to the public, the government will establish 10 'Arpan' donation centres across Delhi Metro stations. The centres will serve as convenient collection points where residents can deposit old but wearable clothes for further processing. Also Read - SKA to protest at Jantar Mantar over sewer deaths, alleges underreporting of fatalities Officials said the donated garments will be channelled for reuse, recycling and upcycling, ensuring that clothing remains in circulation for as long as possible instead of being discarded. The initiative is also expected to strengthen community participation in waste reduction efforts while creating employment opportunities for women involved in managing the donated material. With the launch of 'Arpan', the Delhi government hopes to encourage citizens to embrace sustainable habits and contribute towards building a cleaner, greener and more environmentally conscious Capital.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.