New Delhi: To tackle textile waste and promote circular economy practices, the Delhi govt Monday launched a project that will set up collection centres for old clothes at 10 metro stations in the first phase.‘Arpan Kendras’ will be established at Shahdara, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Malviya Nagar, Hauz Khas, Dwarka, Mohan Estate, Lajpat Nagar, Mayur Vihar Phase-I, Punjabi Bagh West and Shalimar Bagh metro stations. These collection centres will be open from 7am to 7pm for people to donate.Citizens will scan a QR code at the kiosks, submit their details and information about the clothes being donated, and receive an instant digital certificate after verification. A centralised dashboard will monitor donations station-wise, enabling real-time tracking and transparency in the programme’s implementation.The project seeks to prevent old garments from ending up in landfills by ensuring they are properly sorted for reuse, upcycling or recycling. Clothes that remain wearable will be converted into bags and decorative items by women-led self-help groups; unusable textiles will be recycled into yarn, fabric and other raw materials. Clothes used for religious purposes will also be processed separately with due respect to religious sentiments.CM Rekha Gupta said the initiative combines environmental protection with women’s empowerment. The govt plans to expand the programme beyond the 10 metro stations, she said.