New Delhi: The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) opened Delhi's first Shoe Bank for the needy on February 18. Deputy Commissioner Dr Sonal Swaroop and Chairman of West Zone Col BK Oberoi inaugurated the bank in Subhash Nagar. Along with this, SDMC’s west zone also inaugurated a Toy Bank for children.
The initiative was taken under the Swachh Survekshan 2021, said Dr Swaroop. She urged people to donate shoes so that they can be provided to the needy. She said that the initiatives are a step to help the needy as well as promote sustainable living.
On the occasion, Surender Setia, Municipal Councillor, Rajiv Kumar Jain, Superintending Engineer and Nodal Officer, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), and senior SDMC officials were present.
Swaroop said that under the ongoing Swachha Survekshan 2021, the corporation is rigorously promoting 3 R’s (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle) by taking various environment-friendly initiatives like 'Neki Ki Diwar', Garbage Cafe, 'Geela Kuda Lao – Khad Ley Jao', 'Plastic Lao Plant Le Jao', Single-Use Plastic Free Zones, Toy Bank, Compositing from Wet Segregated Waste, and Set Up Material Recover Facility, etc.
Col Oberoi urged the residents to donate toys, shoes, school bags, etc. He said, “Generally, people throw away old toys, shoes, and school bags. However, under this initiative, such essentials, but only the ones which can be reused, will be provided to the needy. An initiative like this will not only help residents to contribute to society by donating to the needy but also encourage habits of reducing and reusing. This initiative will help people who remain barefoot during summer and winter.”
Jain said that the civic body plans to expand this initiative and open banks at several other locations in the city.