A proposal to rename Nalasopara as Shurparak Nagari will be prepared for consideration by the Maharashtra government and the Centre after the issue was discussed at a recent general body meeting of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation in Palghar district.
The proposal was raised during a discussion on preserving the historical heritage of the Vasai-Virar region and developing memorials and other public structures. Mayor Ajiv Patil said the civic body was positive about examining the renaming demand and that legal aspects were being checked, according to a report by Loksatta – Vasai-Virar.
The discussion also included the possibility of renaming the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation itself as Shurparak. Patil said the proposal had been considered earlier, when Gaikwad was serving as a state secretary, and that the legal process for examining the wider renaming request was also being reviewed.
The name Shurparak is associated with the ancient settlement identified with present-day Nalasopara. The Loksatta report said the area has been described as an important historical and religious centre, with an ancient Buddhist stupa believed to be around 2,500 years old. It also described the settlement as a former port and a historical centre in the Konkan region.
Opposition leader Manoj Patil said the proposal should be pursued to strengthen recognition of the area’s heritage. He argued that people from across India search for Shurparak Nagari but find limited references beyond the Nalasopara railway station and the existing name of the city. He also referred to the negative public image associated with Nalasopara and called for a positive consideration of the renaming demand.
A separate proposal was sought for renaming Nalasopara railway station as Shurparak Nagari. Manoj Patil said a formal proposal should be prepared and sent to both the state government and the central government. The report said he had previously raised the naming issue with the chief minister and the Union government.
The discussion at the civic meeting also covered the construction of memorials and public structures honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr B.R. Ambedkar and other notable figures. A proposal was additionally made to build large memorials and statues dedicated to Chimaji Appa in Virar and Nalasopara.
The renaming proposals have not yet received final approval. The next steps involve completing the legal examination and forwarding the relevant proposal to the state and central authorities for consideration.
