With rising global concerns over the mismanagement and excess of waste production, new trends in recycling, reusing and upcycling have seen a rise as well. One such concept in the highlights has been that of waste-to-art parks. It essentially entails a display of art or installations made completely out of waste products.
The country’s capital got its first waste park, Waste to Wonder Park, back in 2019. Located in the Sarai Kale Khan area in Delhi, the park features replicas of the iconic Seven Wonders of the World, all created from industrial and other waste. While the replica of the Taj Mahal is made of broken park benches, swings and pipes, other replicas feature vehicle parts, broken electrical poles, metal sheets, bicycle parts and a lot more. The park also uses wind and solar energy in a big to be more environment-friendly.
Image Source: mediaindia.eu
Delhi’s upcoming waste-to-art park, Bharat Darshan Park, is set to be grander, spread over 8.5 acres, using 350 tonnes of waste to make 21 monument replicas from across the country including Odisha's Sun Temple, the Qutub Minar, the Gateway of India, the Nalanda ruins, the Sanchi Stupa, Mysore Palace, Hawa Mahal, Hampi ruins, Victoria Memorial, Ajanta and Ellora Caves and the Taj Mahal, among others. Evidently, the central theme of the park 'Unity in Diversity' and thus includes monuments from across the cultural fabric of the country. The replicas are being made with waste like vehicles, fans, rods, nuts and bolts and other material at municipal stores. 'The park is based on the concept of 'waste-to-wealth' where replicas of historical monuments are made. 'Unity in Diversity' is the theme of the park, where diversified culture and rich heritage of India is reflected through monuments. Like Waste to Wonder Park, Bharat Darshan Park will also become a popular tourist spot of Delhi,' said south Delhi mayor, Mukesh Suryan, in an interview with The Hindustan Times.
The city of Kolkata also has a park with a similar concept. Featuring installations made of waste tyres accumulated through the years, the Kolkata Tyre Park was unveiled late last year. Disposal of used and waste tyres, which is usually carried out by burning them not only adds to air pollution but is also time-consuming. The employees of West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) started working on used tyres and other scrap material in order to convert them into aesthetic installations for the park.
Image Source: news18.com
Using art as a medium to manage waste consciously has been an evolving concept across the globe, From accessories to clothing and now art, these initiatives are proof that innovative management techniques can give us the best of both worlds.