New Delhi, August 3: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated a clothing donation center named ‘Arpan Kendra’ at the Punjabi Bagh West Metro Station on Monday.
This initiative is a collaboration between the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Delhi Metro Women’s Welfare Organization. It aims to promote the collection, reuse, recycling, and upcycling of usable old clothes.
During the event, the Chief Minister also introduced a QR code-based digital system for the clothing donation process.
Addressing the gathering, CM Rekha Gupta emphasized that building a developed Delhi is not just about constructing roads, bridges, and metro lines. It also involves fostering responsible citizenship, respect for resources, and a collective commitment to environmental protection.
She stated that a truly developed society emerges when waste is transformed into resources, and development goes hand in hand with nature conservation.
An official statement noted that the event was attended by Madipur MLA Kailash Gangwal, DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar, Delhi Metro Women’s Welfare Organization President Shalini Singh, senior officials, and other dignitaries.
The Chief Minister remarked that recycling old clothes is not only a way to reduce waste but also an effective means of conserving water, energy, and natural resources.
She added that every garment donated by a citizen can contribute to environmental protection and bring about positive change in the lives of those in need.
This initiative was first introduced on May 3, and Arpan Kendras are being established at ten major Delhi Metro stations.
As part of the first phase, the centers were launched on Monday at five key stations: Shalimar Bagh, Punjabi Bagh West, Mayur Vihar Phase-1, Shahdara, and Rohini West.
The statement mentioned that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between the involved organizations.
Fabric collection and sales kiosks are being set up at all selected metro stations, allowing citizens to donate their usable old clothes. To facilitate the process, the entire donation system has been made digital and transparent.
Donors will be able to contribute their garments through the QR code-based system and receive a digital receipt, ensuring broad public participation.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the most significant aspect of this initiative is the active participation of women self-help groups. Women will be involved in the operation of the centers, as well as in the collection, sorting, recycling, and upcycling of clothes, creating dignified livelihoods and new self-employment opportunities.
She concluded that this integrated model of environmental protection and women’s empowerment is a crucial step towards sustainable development in Delhi.
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