Delhi’s scrap art parks showcase stunning sculptures from waste, captured by PANKAJ KUMAR. These remarkable creations reflect creativity and sustainability, transforming discarded materials into artistic masterpieces, says SAKSHI PRIYA

There’s something magical about seeing something once discarded come to life in a completely new form. In the heart of Delhi, amidst the city’s fast-paced chaos and towering skyscrapers, lie hidden gems that celebrate the art of transformation, parks where scrap metal, old tyres, and discarded machinery have been turned into breathtaking sculptures.

These parks are places where waste becomes wonder, and where history, culture and environmental consciousness merge. Whether it’s the towering Eiffel Tower made from scrap metal at Waste to Wonder Park, the glowing tricolour light tower in Shaheedi Park or the global animal sculptures in G20 Park, each piece tells a story, one that urges people to rethink what they throw away.

Walking through these parks, it is impossible to remain unmoved. How often does one get to witness an entire world recreated from discarded materials? From Pragati Maidan’s artistic ode to nature to Shaheedi Park’s tribute to India’s freedom fighters, every space offers a new perspective on what waste can become.

G20 Park, Chanakyapuri

Created to commemorate India’s G20 presidency, G20 Park in Chanakyapuri is unlike any other. Here, national animals and birds from G20 countries have been sculpted entirely from waste, forming an open-air gallery that represents unity through sustainability.

Designed by 25 artists from the Lalit Kala Akademi, the sculptures range from fierce to graceful, each embodying the spirit of the nation it represents. It’s a place that highlights India’s leadership in global discussions on climate and conservation while serving as a visual masterpiece celebrating the world’s diversity.

 Each sculpture, each piece of metal and rubber, once had a different purpose, now, it stands as a reminder that nothing is truly useless.

Delhi’s scrap art parks are a movement, a revolution in how art and sustainability can coexist. They invite visitors to step into a world where creativity breathes life into forgotten materials, proving that sometimes, the most beautiful things emerge from the most unexpected places.

For anyone visiting the capital, these parks are a must-see. They don’t just tell stories of history, culture, and environmental consciousness, they inspire.

Pragati Maidan

Pragati Maidan is known for its grand exhibitions and trade fairs, but beyond the stalls and business meetings stands a stunning sculpture that stops visitors in their tracks, Bhoo Devi. Crafted entirely from scrap metal, this striking figure of a woman, adorned with birds and flowers, serves as a poignant reminder of the connection between humans and nature.

It is a statement in itself. In a world where industrialisation often distances people from nature, this sculpture brings the two together. It embodies the delicate balance between urbanisation and ecological responsibility, urging visitors to consider how human actions impact the planet.

Waste to Wonder Park

If there’s one place in Delhi that proves waste can be turned into something extraordinary, it’s Waste to Wonder Park. Here, some of the world’s most iconic monuments have been recreated using nothing but scrap.

The most breathtaking of them all? The Eiffel Tower. Standing tall and majestic, it’s hard to believe that this masterpiece was once just a pile of discarded vehicle parts, pipes, and metal sheets. At night, when it lights up, it’s almost as if Paris itself has been transported to Delhi.

Alongside it, the Statue of Liberty, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Taj Mahal all stand proudly, each built with creativity and precision. Every piece here tells a story of reinvention, proving that sustainability and artistry can go hand in hand.

Shaheedi Park

While some parks focus on global landmarks, Shaheedi Park is deeply rooted in India’s history. Scrap art at Shaheedi Park transforms iron, metal sheets and automobile parts into powerful sculptures that honour history and sustainability.

Figures of Mangal Pandey, Rani Chennamma, Rani Lakshmibai and Tatya Tope stand tall, their forms built using everything from old vehicle parts to electronic waste. The detailing is astonishing, each expression, each stance captures the fierce determination of these warriors.

Scrap metal has been shaped into statues of the country’s greatest freedom fighters. These creations turn discarded materials into meaningful artistic expressions with awareness.