Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurates ‘Arpan Kendra’ at Punjabi Bagh West Metro Station

‘Arpan Kendras’ being set up at 10 major Delhi Metro stations in collaboration with Delhi Metro for the collection, reuse, recycling and upcycling of old clothes

The initiative will promote environmental conservation, reduce textile waste, strengthen the circular economy, and create new livelihood opportunities for women’s self-help groups: CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, August 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Monday inaugurated the ‘Arpan Kendra’ (Old Clothes Donation Centre) at Punjabi Bagh West Metro Station. 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 Shri Kailash Gangwal, DMRC Managing Director Dr. Vikas Kumar, Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation President Dr. Shalini Singh, senior officials and other dignitaries. 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.

Key features of Arpan Kendra and strategic roadmap

The concept for the initiative was introduced on May 3, 2026, under which Arpan Kendras are being established at 10 major Delhi Metro stations. As part of the first phase, Arpan Kendras were launched today 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.

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. 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.

A unique model for environmental conservation and women’s empowerment

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. The Delhi Government, she added, will continue to encourage innovations that simultaneously promote environmental protection, women’s empowerment, employment generation and public participation. The initiative, she said, is an excellent example of strengthening the circular economy in the country and translating the concept of ‘Waste to Wealth’ into practice.

Appealing to the people of Delhi, the Chief Minister urged citizens to bring their usable old clothes to the Arpan Kendras. She said that even a small contribution from every household 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. The Chief Minister said the Delhi Government aims to develop a ‘Delhi Model’ where waste is seen as a resource, responsibility, not consumption, defines the city’s approach, and environmental conservation becomes a hallmark of the Capital’s development. Congratulating the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation and all partner organisations for the initiative, she expressed confidence that the campaign would play a significant role in making Delhi a cleaner, greener, more compassionate and sustainable city through public participation.