India, Oct. 1 -- The Union tourism ministry has approved a Rs.93.94-crore project for the rejuvenation and redevelopment of the historic Maharaja Ajj Sarovar at Kharar under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, paving the way for the transformation of the site into a heritage and tourism destination in Punjab.

Spread over 133 kanals along the Kharar-Chandigarh National Highway, the sarovar is associated with Maharaja Ajj, who is regarded in Hindu tradition as the grandfather of Lord Rama. The site is considered an important religious, cultural and historical landmark in the region.

The project approval follows several rounds of consultations between the Punjab government and the Centre.

Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who visited the site ...