The Union Ministry of Tourism has approved a 3.94‑crore project to rejuvenate and redevelop the historic Maharaja Ajj Sarovar at Kharar in Punjab’s Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district. The approval paves the way for the water body’s transformation into a major heritage and tourism destination in the state.
The decision follows several rounds of consultations between the Punjab government and the Centre. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who visited the site earlier this year for the inauguration of a Ram temple on its banks, pursued the proposal with the Ministry of Tourism. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also backed the initiative, directing officials to prepare and submit a Detailed Project Report for the Ministry’s consideration.
Shashi Pal Jain, president of the Shri Ram Mandir Ajj Sarovar Vikas Committee, has led conservation and development efforts for nearly four decades. He noted that the Sarovar, covering about 133 kanals along the Kharar‑Chandigarh National Highway, is linked to Maharaja Ajj, regarded in Hindu tradition as the grandfather of Lord Rama, and is an important religious, cultural and historical landmark.
The project has been approved under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Jain said the long‑term success of the redevelopment will depend on restoring water to the Sarovar, as rapid urbanisation in surrounding areas has disrupted the natural watershed that feeds the water body.
