{
  "id": 11118236,
  "title": "Centre approves Rs 93.94-crore project to redevelop Maharaja Ajj Sarovar in Punjab’s Kharar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/centre-approves-rs-93-94-crore-project-to-redevelop-maharaja-ajj",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-01T05:19:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/punjab/union-tourism-ministry-approves-9394-crore-for-redeveloping-maharaja-ajj-sarovar-in-kharar/article71528960.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Union Ministry of Tourism has given the green light for a ₹93.94 crore project to revamp the historic Maharaja Ajj Sarovar in Kharar, Punjab’s Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. The rejuvenation aims to turn the site into a prominent heritage and tourism spot in the state. This decision came after multiple talks between the Punjab government and the Centre. Earlier this year, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria had toured the site to inaugurate a Ram temple on its banks, pushing the proposal to the Union Ministry of Tourism. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann backed the project by instructing officials to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Ministry’s review. Shashi Pal Jain, president of the Shri Ram Mandir Ajj Sarovar Vikas Committee, has been a key figure in the site’s conservation and development for over four decades. The Sarovar, covering around 133 kanals along the Kharar–Chandigarh National Highway, is tied to Maharaja Ajj, considered the grandfather of Lord Rama in Hindu tradition. Recognized as a significant religious, cultural, and historical landmark, the project is funded by the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Local residents, community groups, and public representatives have been working tirelessly to maintain and enhance the site. The project’s long-term success hinges on replenishing the Sarovar’s water supply, as urban expansion around the area has disrupted the natural watershed that feeds the water body.",
  "summary": "The project approval follows several rounds of consultations between the Punjab government and the Centre",
  "key_points": [
    "Union Ministry of Tourism approves ₹93.94 crore redevelopment project for Maharaja Ajj Sarovar.",
    "Project funded by Swadesh Darshan Scheme, success depends on water supply replenishment."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}