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| Centre gives in-principle nod to Rs 93.94-crore redevelopment of Kharar's Maharaja Ajj Sarovar | | |  Early Times Report
CHANDIGARH, Oct 2: The Union government has given in-principle approval to a ?93.94-crore redevelopment project for Maharaja Ajj Sarovar in Kharar under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. Spread across about 133 kanals along National Highway 21, the historic water body is traditionally associated with Maharaja Ajj, regarded in Hindu tradition as the grandfather of Lord Ram. The Punjab Tourism Department will implement the project. Tendering is expected to begin after the Centre issues the formal sanction, following which funds will be released to the state government.
The proposal went through three rounds of scrutiny beginning in July and received in-principle clearance at a high-level steering committee meeting on September 15, chaired by the Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism. The plan is to redevelop the sarovar in the shape of a bow and arrow. Water restoration remains central to the project: the plan provides for surplus water from the BBMB Kajauli pipeline to be diverted to the sarovar in winter and on low-demand days.
The site also has archaeological significance. Excavations during British rule uncovered remains associated with Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions. Historical records cite protection orders issued by the administration in 1891, 1896 and 1926. The new project is intended to conserve the heritage site while improving its tourism and visitor infrastructure.
The approval was marked at a programme organised by the Shri Ram Mandir Ajj Sarovar Vikas Committee, which felicitated Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu for pursuing the proposal. Committee president Shashi Pal Jain has led local efforts to protect and develop the site for nearly four decades. Community contributions have supported earlier work, including repairs to the ghats and the development of community facilities. The committee thanked all public representatives, institutions, residents and other supporters who contributed to the initiative.
Sandhu said the redevelopment could connect Kharar's heritage with tourism-led local economic activity and create new opportunities for young people. He said the city's wider requirements, including drinking water, sewerage and roads, would also need sustained attention. He credited the Centre's focus on heritage conservation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thanked the Union government for the project's in-principle approval.
In a separate acknowledgement, Sandhu thanked Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, for the ministry's support in moving the proposal forward. He also praised Jain's nearly four-decade effort to secure recognition and development for the site. Jain's son, Lalit Jain, contributed to the initiative through his professional understanding and experience, Sandhu said. |
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