In a remarkable initiative that blends artistry with environmental consciousness, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) inaugurated a captivating “waste-to-art” park on Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri. This newly unveiled park boasts an array of sculptures representing animals and birds native to the G20 nations, all meticulously crafted from scrap metal sourced from construction sites and automobile waste dumps. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena did the honours of officially opening the park to the public on Monday.
A Creative Collaboration: NDMC and Lalit Kala Academy Artists
The NDMC collaborated with talented artists from the Lalit Kala Academy to bring this ambitious project to life. The park is not just an artistic marvel but also a tribute to the G20 nations, reflecting the spirit of international cooperation and environmental stewardship. In a press release, the NDMC proudly stated, “These sculptures are the best example of the waste-to-art initiative.”
Turning Trash into Treasures
Twenty-five artists from Lalit Kala Academy joined forces to construct 22 distinct animal sculptures. Gayatri Mathur, the programme officer at Lalit Kala Academy, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “It was fantastic to see our vision come to fruition… Our vision was to use discarded products which generally add to environmental waste and aren’t considered valuable.” She further emphasised the global appeal of the sculptures, noting that when visitors from other countries explore the park, they forge a deeper connection with India upon encountering representations of their own national birds.
A Visit from Prominent Dignitaries
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, also graced the occasion with her presence. She described the park as “a gift to the people of Delhi,” highlighting the ongoing efforts to beautify the city through innovative themes and projects. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena echoed this sentiment in a press statement, emphasising the alignment of this project with the Prime Minister’s vision for Mission LiFE.
Mission LiFE: A Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
The NDMC’s statement underscored that this project aligns with the Prime Minister’s resolution of Mission LiFE, which aims to ensure the ease of living for citizens while adopting lifestyles that prioritize environmental sustainability. “Mission LiFE encompasses every lifestyle related to the conservation of nature,” the statement noted.
From Junk to Art: The Sculptures
The true marvel of this park lies in its sculptures, which have been handcrafted using discarded materials such as iron bars, automobile parts, metal plates, wire mesh, rims, chains, bearing balls, and other junk materials. These materials have been transformed into stunning representations of wildlife from G20 nations. Visitors to the park can marvel at sculptures ranging from the bison (the national mammal of the USA) to the jaguar (representing Brazil), the red-crowned crane (China), the Arabian camel (Saudi Arabia), the magpie (South Korea), the rooster (France), the redwing (Turkey), the sparrow (Italy), the emu (Australia), and, of course, the majestic peacock, symbolising India.
The waste-to-art park at Kautilya Marg is not only the display of human creativity but also a powerful reminder of the importance of recycling and environmental conservation. As visitors explore this unique park, they will witness the transformation of discarded materials into beautiful works of art, all while celebrating the diverse wildlife of the G20 nations. It serves as a shining example of how innovation and imagination can turn trash into treasures that inspire and connect people from around the world.
Feature Image Courtesy: India Today
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