New Delhi, Oct 15 The MCD announced on Thursday that it will set up 250 kiosks across the city to collect damaged idols and worship materials for proper disposal and recycling, an initiative aimed at preventing religious waste from being dumped in public places and water bodies.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Plastindia Foundation, launched at the instance of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. So far, 60 kiosks have been installed, according to a statement.
“The designated centres will allow residents to deposit damaged idols and other materials, which will then be segregated, transported and processed for recycling or appropriate disposal,” the chief minister said in a statement.
Gupta said religious traditions and environmental protection must go hand in hand, urging residents to use the designated centres instead of leaving worship materials on roads, in open spaces or in water bodies.
“Faith and devotion are integral to our cultural heritage, but protecting the environment and fulfilling our civic responsibilities are equally important,” she said.
The chief minister said the initiative would provide residents with a way to respect their religious sentiments while ensuring responsible disposal of religious materials. Under the agreement, the MCD and relevant government authorities will oversee the day-to-day operation of the kiosks after formal handover.
The civic body will deploy staff, maintain cleanliness, collect deposited materials and ensure their timely transportation to authorised sites in Delhi’s 250 wards.
The Delhi government will coordinate with concerned departments and agencies, while the MCD will implement and monitor at the local level.
Mayor Pravesh Wahi said the collection centres would help prevent damaged idols and worship materials from being scattered across public spaces. He said the civic body would focus on maintaining the kiosks and ensuring the timely collection and transportation of the deposited materials. He also urged residents to use the designated facilities and help keep the city clean.
The programme, held at the Delhi Secretariat, was attended by Wahi, Standing Committee chairperson Satya Sharma, Leader of the House Jaibhagwan Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar and officials from the departments concerned.
(PTI News)
