Tourism ministry pours ₹94 crore into revival of historic Kharar lake

Mohali: The Union ministry of tourism has approved a Rs 93.9-crore project under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for the rejuvenation and redevelopment of the historic Maharaja Ajj Sarovar in Kharar.Spread across 133 kanals along the Kharar-Chandigarh National Highway, the site holds religious and cultural significance as it is traditionally associated with Maharaja Ajj, the grandfather of lord Rama.The comprehensive project aims to build modern tourism infrastructure, upgrade visitor facilities, and preserve the heritage site to position the water body as a major cultural destination in Punjab.The funding approval follows joint efforts by Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who advocated for the proposal after visiting the site earlier this year, and chief minister Bhagwant Mann, who directed state officials to submit the detailed project report (DPR).The approval marks the culmination of a four-decade campaign led by journalist and Shri Ram Mandir Ajj Sarovar Vikas Committee president Shashi Pal Jain, whose advocacy began following a media report on the site’s neglect in the mid-1980s. Community efforts have since led to the renovation of ghats and the construction of a temple dedicated to Rama and his ancestors through public donations.Historical records highlight the site’s archaeological importance, with British-era excavations revealing relics linked to Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, leading to protective colonial orders in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Water restoration a key challengeWhile the project approval marks a major step towards redevelopment of the sarovar, stakeholders said restoring its water supply would be crucial to the long-term conservation of the site.Rapid urbanisation around Kharar has disrupted the natural watershed that traditionally fed the water body. Conservationists have therefore stressed the need to restore the site’s original hydrological and ecological systems along with the proposed tourism infrastructure.The Rs 93.9-crore project is expected to provide the sarovar with improved visitor amenities and conservation infrastructure while strengthening its position as a heritage and cultural tourism destination in Punjab.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chandigarh | Silver Rate in Chandigarh | Bank Holidays in Chandigarh | Public Holidays in Chandigarh | Chandigarh AQI | Weather in Chandigarh | Petrol Price in Chandigarh | Diesel Price in Chandigarh | CNG Price in Chandigarh | LPG Price in ChandigarhStay updated with the latest Chandigarh news. Download the TOI App.