A proposal to rename Nalasopara as Shurparak Nagari has received support in the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, with the civic body indicating that legal aspects will be examined before proposals are sent to the Maharashtra and central governments.
The issue was discussed during a recently held general body meeting of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, where members also considered measures to preserve the area’s historical heritage and develop memorials dedicated to prominent historical figures.
Mayor Ajiv Patil said the civic administration was positive about renaming Nalasopara as Shurparak Nagari. He also said that a proposal to rename the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation itself as Shurparak was under consideration and that the legal process for examining the matter was being reviewed.
The proposal was raised in the context of Nalasopara’s historical identity. According to the discussion reported at the meeting, Shurparak is the ancient name associated with present-day Nalasopara, which is located within Palghar district and the Vasai-Virar municipal area. The place has been described as an ancient settlement with links to Buddhist heritage, including a stupa believed to be around 2,500 years old.
Opposition leader Manoj Patil said the area had been known in ancient times as an important port and a centre of regional significance. He argued that restoring the historical name could help preserve the area’s heritage and improve recognition of its past. He also said that people across India who search for Shurparak Nagari do not find a corresponding identity on the ground beyond the existing Nalasopara railway station reference.
A separate demand was made to prepare a proposal to rename Nalasopara railway station as Shurparak Nagari and submit it to the state and central governments. Manoj Patil had previously raised the naming issue with the chief minister and the Union government, according to the report.
The meeting also included suggestions for constructing memorials and public structures honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar and other prominent figures. A proposal was also discussed for installing a major memorial and statue of Chimaji Appa in Virar and Nalasopara to commemorate his military campaign.
The municipal discussion does not amount to a final name change. The next step, according to the statements made during the meeting, is to examine the legal process and prepare proposals for consideration by the state and central governments.
