India’s Ceramic Capital Reinvents Itself With The World’s First Ceramic Waste Park

Known across India and the world for its exquisite ceramics, Khurja in Uttar Pradesh has done something truly unique. The town has transformed discarded cups, plates, and vases into vibrant, large-scale art installations, giving birth to ‘Anokhi Duniya’, the world’s first park crafted entirely from ceramic waste. This one-of-a-kind space celebrates local craftsmanship, sustainable art, and the imagination that turns industrial by-products into public wonder.Set to officially open by the end of September 2025, Anokhi Duniya spans two acres and has been developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The project is a significant part of the Yogi Adityanath government’s vision to promote traditional industries and products globally, riding on the success of its One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative.“This park transforms more than 80 tonnes of ceramic waste into stunning artworks, giving our traditional ceramic heritage a distinct global identity,” says Dr Ankur Lathar, IAS, Vice-Chairman of the Bulandshahr-Khurja Development Authority (BKDA). “It is also an outstanding example of waste-to-art, demonstrating how creativity can turn discarded materials into sustainable, functional pieces.”From Waste To WonderThe concept, she explains, came from parks elsewhere that repurposed metal scrap into sculptures. “We don’t have metal scrap in Khurja, but we do have tons of ceramic waste piling up along roadsides. I thought—why not turn it into something wonderful?”The park uses broken ceramic pieces as they are—no melting, recycling, or reprocessing. “Small, discarded cups and plates are integrated into giant sculptures, like oversized cups, plates, and even a tree where ceramic products form the leaves. It’s a playful reinterpretation of what Khurja is famous for,” Dr Lathar says. Footpaths and even flashlights in the park are also crafted from waste, giving visitors unexpected details at every turn.Art Meets InteractionAnokhi Duniya is designed for visitors of all ages. A massive cup doubles as a slide, while a giant chai cup has been converted into a café. Landscaped gardens, selfie points, and well-thought-out lighting enhance the experience, turning each corner into a photo-worthy moment. “We wanted the park to be fun for both children and adults,” notes Dr Lathar.The park also celebrates Khurja’s industrial pride. “For local ceramic producers, it’s an open-air museum. Their products gain recognition, not just locally, but across India and even globally,” she adds.Sustainability, Culture & TourismBuilt at INR 5.86 Crore, the park balances accessibility with sustainability through a nominal entry fee. It creates employment for local artisans, showcases India’s ceramic traditions, and reinforces the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ethos—proving that environmental consciousness and culture can coexist beautifully.Dr Lathar envisions Anokhi Duniya as more than a tourist attraction. “It’s a space where creativity, sustainability, and local heritage meet. Families can spend hours exploring, learning, and enjoying art in an interactive way. We hope it becomes a model for similar initiatives nationwide.”From the glowing ceramic-leaf tree to footpaths made of broken plates, the park offers visitors a chance to see Khurja’s ceramics in a way they’ve never imagined. With its opening imminent, it promises to be a must-visit destination for art lovers, families, and travellers seeking a unique experience.FAQs1. What is Anokhi Duniya?Anokhi Duniya is the world’s first park made entirely from ceramic waste, featuring large-scale art installations and interactive exhibits.2. Where is the park located, and when will it open?The park is in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh, and is set to open to the public by the end of September 2025.3. How was the park created?Over 80 tonnes of ceramic waste were transformed into nearly 100 sculptures by six artists and 120 artisans, using broken cups, plates, and vases without recycling or melting.4. What experiences does the park offer visitors?Visitors can explore interactive sculptures, landscaped gardens, selfie points, a café inside a giant chai cup, and play areas like slides in oversized ceramic cups.5. How does Anokhi Duniya benefit the local community?The park promotes Khurja’s ceramic heritage, provides employment for artisans, boosts tourism, and demonstrates sustainable use of industrial waste.World Environment Day: 7 Waste To Wonder Parks Around The World