Kalyan: A memorial showcasing the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be developed at Kachore-Netivali hill in Kalyan East, following directions by Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde to Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC).The proposed memorial is being planned as a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s naval vision and is expected to emerge as a major heritage and tourism attraction in the Kalyan-Dombivli region. It will also provide the younger generation an opportunity to learn about the history, strategy and achievements of the Maratha navy.The proposal was discussed at a meeting attended by local representatives and KDMC officials. MLA Rajesh More, Mayor Harshali Chaudhari, standing committee chairman Mallesh Shetty, Shiv Sena group leader Vishwanath Rane and city chief Ravi Patil were present.Shinde has directed the civic administration to undertake a detailed study and prepare a comprehensive plan for the project, including identifying the suitable location, assessing the available land, developing the surrounding premises and planning the memorial and its facilities.The concept goes beyond installing a conventional statue. The memorial will showcase Shivaji Maharaj’s naval policy, maritime strategy and achievements, along with realistic replicas and representations of different types of ships used during the period. A grand statue of Shivaji Maharaj will also be installed at the site.Mayor Harshali Chaudhari said the location had been carefully selected because of its height and historical significance.“MP Dr Shrikant Shinde has planned the naval memorial at such a height of hill that the creek near Durgadi Fort, where Shivaji Maharaj established a key naval base, will be visible from the memorial. The memorial itself will also be visible from a considerable distance across the city,” Chaudhari said.Kachore-Netivali hill is located between Kalyan and Dombivli and is among the few remaining hill areas in the rapidly urbanising twin-city region. Its strategic location, between the two cities and along Ulhas river on one side, gives it high visibility from several parts of Kalyan and Dombivli.Kalyan also has a special connection with Shivaji Maharaj’s maritime legacy. The Durgadi Fort area is associated with the establishment of a Maratha naval base and shipbuilding activity in the Kalyan-Bhiwandi region during the 17th century. Shivaji Maharaj used the strategic location along the creek to strengthen the naval capabilities of Hindavi Swarajya.The proposed memorial at Kachore-Netivali hill could complement the museum and Durgadi Fort by creating a larger heritage and tourism circuit in Kalyan. With its elevated location, historical theme and panoramic views, the site is expected to attract visitors from across Maharashtra and other parts of the country.KDMC is also developing an Indian Naval Museum near Durgadi Fort, which is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated soon.
