Delhi govt planning for the respectful disposal and recycling of old religious idols

The Delhi government is planning to establish dedicated collection centres for dignified disposal and recycling of old and damaged religious idols. The move not only aims to ensure the re-use of the resources but also to make sure that the idols are treated with respect and dignity.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced a special public participation campaign for collecting and recycling of damaged idols of Hindu deities across the city in a manner that ensures their dignity. According to her, the campaign will entirely be citizen-centric. She invited suggestions directly from the residents of the national capital to help shape the final framework of the initiative through people’s participation.

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Gupta noted that religious idols worshipped at homes for years are often abandoned under peepal trees, near riverbanks, in parks, or alongside roads once they are not in use. She said such practices not only hurt religious sentiments but also raise serious concerns about sanitation and the environment.

To address this issue, the CM informed that the government will set up dedicated collection centres across the city in different areas, where people can respectfully deposit damaged idols.

Notably, the collected idols will be further processed and recycled using scientific and environmentally sustainable methods, converting them into useful items.

“The idea is to ensure that religious faith is respected while environmental protection is also prioritised,” CM Gupta said, adding that the initiative should evolve into a people’s movement rather than remain just a government campaign.

Presently, the government is preparing a detailed action plan regarding this matter and hence has sought public feedback on the proposal. As part of this process, the CM has posed three key questions to citizens and appealed for their suggestions.

Residents have been asked to give their views on the initiative, suggest suitable locations for collection centres, such as in their wards, markets, or colonies and recommend ways to make the entire system more effective and dignified.

“When people support a good idea, it turns into a movement. Respecting our faith and keeping Delhi clean are both our collective responsibilities,” the CM stated.

She urged citizens to share their suggestions through comments on social media, adding that the final, foolproof plan would be prepared on the basis of public feedback.