‘Wish Wall’: India’s 1st lock museum to come up in Aligarh; aims to boost tourism, revive traditional craftsmanship | Agra News

AGRA: India’s first lock museum will come up in Aligarh with an approved budget of Rs 28 crore. The project will be undertaken by the Aligarh Nagar Nigam, with assurances from the UP govt for further financial support if required.Work on the project is underway, and officials indicated that the date for laying the foundation stone would be announced soon.The museum will showcase locks from various historical periods and regions, including both antiques and examples of modern advances, thereby illustrating Aligarh’s renowned craftsmanship and prominence in security innovations.A unique element of the project is the inclusion of a “Wish Wall”, where visitors can attach locks symbolic of their aspirations, prayers or personal messages. In addition, the museum will host workshops designed to impart the art of lock-making, with the aim to revive traditional skills and attract a wide audience, including tourists, students, and entrepreneurs. According to municipal commissioner Prem Prakash Meena, Aligarh’s lock industry traces its roots to 1870 and is now a part of the state’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. “The museum is a long-pending dream of our artisans and traders who wanted a space to showcase their craft to national and international visitors.”Meena said the museum is also expected to give a boost to local employment, tourism and earn global recognition for Aligarh. The museum is proposed to be constructed on a plot of land in front of the Jawahar Bhawan in Aligarh. There will be a conference hall as well. Also, there will be facilities for children’s sports, entertainment and food courts.Work on the project is underway, and officials indicated that the date for laying the foundation stone will be announced soon, according to the municipal commissioner.