Rs 93.94 crore plan to redevelop Kharar's Maharaja Ajj Sarovar approved
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The Tourism Ministry approved a Rs 93.94 crore Swadesh Darshan plan to redevelop Maharaja Ajj Sarovar in Kharar, Punjab, with a Ramayana centre, an MP said on Oct 22.
What Happened
The Union Ministry of Tourism has given approval for a Rs 93.94 crore project to redevelop Maharaja Ajj Sarovar, a historic water tank at Kharar in Punjab's Mohali district, under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma said on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The plans include a Ramayana Interpretation Centre, a statue of Lord Ram, redeveloped ghats, an entrance gate and an open-air theatre. According to tradition, the sarovar is named after Maharaja Aja, described in the Ramayana as Lord Ram's grandfather.
Key Facts
- Project cost: Rs 93.94 crore, under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism.
- Announcement: October 22, 2026, by Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma, who said Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat conveyed the approval in an official letter.
- Status: one report describes it as an in-principle approval, with funds to be released to the Punjab government after a formal sanction.
- Execution: the Punjab Tourism Department will carry out the project, according to the report.
- Planned features: a Ramayana Interpretation Centre, a statue of Lord Ram, ghat redevelopment, an entrance gate, an open-air theatre, and facilities for pilgrims and tourists.
- Site: the sarovar spreads over about 133 kanals along the Kharar-Chandigarh National Highway, one report said.
Why It Matters
A sarovar is a sacred tank or lake, often linked to temples and pilgrimage. Projects under the Swadesh Darshan scheme aim to develop tourist and heritage sites with better infrastructure, so that visitors can understand their significance and local communities can benefit from more footfall.
According to tradition, Maharaja Aja, after whom the sarovar is named, was the father of King Dasharatha and the grandfather of Lord Ram in the Ramayana. That association gives the site particular meaning for devotees. The planned Ramayana Interpretation Centre is intended to present the story and its links to the site for visitors, while the redeveloped ghats and amenities are meant to make pilgrimages and visits easier.
The project also fits a wider effort by the Centre and states to develop heritage and pilgrimage tourism. For the Mohali and Chandigarh region, a redeveloped sarovar on a national highway could become a new stop for visitors and day-trippers, supporting local businesses. Because the approval is described as in-principle, the timeline will depend on the formal sanction, the release of funds and the Punjab Tourism Department's execution.
For those who value such sites, the key questions will be how the redevelopment balances new facilities with the conservation of the existing tank, and whether the water body itself is restored and kept clean. Regular upkeep after the construction work ends will decide how the site looks to visitors in the years ahead.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Site | Maharaja Ajj Sarovar, Kharar, Mohali district, Punjab |
| Project cost | Rs 93.94 crore |
| Scheme | Swadesh Darshan (Union Ministry of Tourism) |
| Status | Approval conveyed; formal sanction and fund release awaited, per report |
| Executing agency | Punjab Tourism Department |
Impact
Short-term: Punjab will prepare for the formal sanction and the start of work, including detailed plans for the ghats, interpretation centre and visitor facilities.
Long-term: If completed and maintained, the sarovar could become a significant heritage and pilgrimage stop in the Mohali-Chandigarh region, drawing visitors and supporting local livelihoods.
Who is affected: Devotees and visitors to the sarovar, residents of Kharar and Mohali, local businesses, and the Punjab Tourism Department.
Key Takeaway
The Union Tourism Ministry has approved a Rs 93.94 crore Swadesh Darshan project to redevelop Maharaja Ajj Sarovar in Kharar, Punjab, with a Ramayana Interpretation Centre and new ghats, an MP said on October 22, 2026.
Questions and Answers
What is the Maharaja Ajj Sarovar project?
It is a Rs 93.94 crore plan, approved by the Union Ministry of Tourism under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, to redevelop the historic sarovar at Kharar in Punjab's Mohali district, with a Ramayana Interpretation Centre, a statue of Lord Ram, new ghats and visitor facilities.
Why is the sarovar significant?
According to tradition, it is named after Maharaja Aja, described in the Ramayana as the father of King Dasharatha and grandfather of Lord Ram.
When will work begin?
The approval is described as in-principle. Funds are to be released to the Punjab government after a formal sanction, and the Punjab Tourism Department will execute the project. No start date has been announced.
What is the Swadesh Darshan scheme?
It is a Union Ministry of Tourism scheme that funds the development of tourist and heritage destinations, including infrastructure and visitor facilities.
Disclaimer: Prepared by the Peepals newsroom from publicly available sources with AI assistance. Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and may change. Images may be representative. Not professional advice. Report an error via our contact page.
Sourced and fact-checked by the Peepals Global Editorial Team
Reported, fact-checked and published by the Peepals Global Editorial Team.
