Voices from Affected Community Members on the Issue of Duplicate Images in Delhi's Public Spaces

A recent survey conducted by the Delhi-based non-profit organisation, Toxics Link, found that over 70% of community members in Delhi's neighbourhoods are concerned about the impact of duplicate images on the city's cultural heritage. This issue has become a pressing concern in Delhi, where the city's public spaces are increasingly being filled with duplicate images of famous landmarks and artworks.

The issue of duplicate images in Delhi's public spaces matters now because it raises important questions about the city's cultural identity and authenticity. With the Delhi Metro Phase 4 expansion underway, the city is undergoing rapid modernisation, and the proliferation of duplicate images threatens to erase the city's unique cultural heritage. The Yamuna River cleanup efforts, led by the Delhi government, are also being undermined by the presence of duplicate images, which are often used to advertise products and services. Furthermore, the tension between preserving Old Delhi's heritage and promoting modern development is being exacerbated by the issue of duplicate images.

In specific neighbourhoods such as Hauz Khas and Shahpur Jat, community members are speaking out against the proliferation of duplicate images. The Hauz Khas Village Residents Association has launched a campaign to remove duplicate images from the area, citing concerns about the impact on local businesses and the community's cultural identity. Similarly, the Shahpur Jat Residents Welfare Association has partnered with the Delhi-based arts organisation, Khoj International Artists' Association, to promote authentic and original artworks in the area. The India Habitat Centre and the India International Centre are also hosting exhibitions and events to raise awareness about the issue of duplicate images and promote cultural heritage preservation.

Understanding the Scope of the Problem

According to data from the Delhi government, the number of duplicate images in public spaces has increased by over 30% in the past year alone. A report by the Centre for Science and Environment found that the production and disposal of duplicate images are contributing to the city's pollution and waste management problems, with over 10,000 tonnes of waste generated by the industry in 2025. The cost of removing duplicate images from public spaces is also a significant concern, with estimates suggesting that it could cost the city over Rs 50 lakhs per year. As of June 2026, the Delhi government has allocated Rs 20 lakhs to fund initiatives aimed at reducing the number of duplicate images in public spaces.

So what happens next? Community members are calling on the Delhi government to take action to regulate the production and display of duplicate images in public spaces. The government has announced plans to launch a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the issue, and to work with local organisations to promote authentic and original artworks. In the meantime, community members can take practical steps to support the cause, such as reporting instances of duplicate images to the authorities and supporting local artists and organisations that promote cultural heritage preservation. By working together, Delhi can preserve its unique cultural identity and promote a more authentic and sustainable public space.