Maharashtra to Host India’s First Underwater Warship Museum
- India is gearing up to launch its first underwater military museum, showcasing INS Guldar, a decommissioned warship of the Indian Navy.
- The museum will be created by scuttling (sinking) INS Guldar off the coast of Vijaydurg Fort in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district.
- The initiative aims to promote marine tourism, preserve naval heritage, and build an artificial reef to support marine biodiversity.
INS Guldar – Service History & Features
- Origin: INS Guldar, a Polnocny-class landing ship built in Poland, was inducted into the Indian Navy on December 30, 1985.
- Service Record: It served for nearly 38 years and was involved in several critical operations including:
- Operation Aman
- Operation Azad
- Operation Pawan
- Operation Tasha
- Decommissioning: The vessel was officially retired from service on 12 January 2024 and handed over to Maharashtra for tourism purposes in February 2025.
Location & Site Details
- Scuttling Site: The ship will be submerged near Nivati Rocks, around 10 nautical miles from Vijaydurg Fort, chosen for its clear waters and heritage significance.
- Depth & Method: It will be gently lowered to a depth of around 50 meters, without using explosives. The ship will settle naturally after controlled flooding.
- Historical Significance: The area is also home to Maratha maritime history, making it an ideal spot for a museum blending ecology and heritage.
Project Execution & Safety Measures
Clean-Up Protocol: Before submerging, the ship will undergo full decontamination to remove:
- Fuel and oil
- Asbestos
- Batteries and electrical systems
- All environmental hazards
Clearances Required:
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority
- Marine and coastal pollution authorities
Scuba Certified Access: Certified scuba divers will be able to explore the museum underwater.
Tourism Infrastructure & Timeline
Project Timeline:
- Started: 10 June 2025
- Expected Completion: December 2025 or Early 2026
Budget:
- The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned ₹46.91 crore.
- An additional ₹50 crore has been proposed for enabling access via a 22-seater submersible.
Tourist Facilities Planned:
- Underwater guided tours via submersible for non-divers
- Interpretive centres on land
- Scuba diving centres and boat access points
Environmental & Educational Impact
- Artificial Reef Creation:
- The sunken ship will act as a reef and attract marine life such as coral, fish, and molluscs.
- Comparable to the artificial reefs constructed in the USA and Australia.
- Biodiversity Boost: The project is expected to boost local marine biodiversity and fishing livelihoods in the long run.
- Training Zone: The Indian Navy and scuba trainers will use the wreck for underwater training and marine research.
Benefits to Local Community
- Economic Boost:
- Creation of jobs in hospitality, diving, transport, and tourism
- Expected to directly employ over 800 people
- Ecotourism Focus: The initiative highlights sustainable tourism and skill-building in the Konkan coastal belt.
- Marine Heritage Awareness: The museum will educate visitors about India’s naval history and maritime ecology.
Expert Commentary
- Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi: Said the project represents a perfect fusion of defence heritage and marine preservation.
- MTDC Officials: Believe this will be a “game-changer” for coastal tourism and a model for other coastal states.
- Environmental Experts: Applaud the initiative for prioritizing ecological safety and avoiding hazardous scuttling methods.
Important Questions
- What is INS Guldar, and why has it been chosen to be turned into India’s first underwater museum?
- Where exactly in Maharashtra will the underwater warship museum featuring INS Guldar be located?
- What safety and environmental measures are being taken before sinking INS Guldar for the underwater museum project?
- What kind of tourist activities will be available at the underwater museum created around INS Guldar?
- How will the INS Guldar underwater museum project benefit the local community and the marine environment?
Conclusion
India’s first underwater warship museum, centered around INS Guldar, is a groundbreaking initiative that integrates naval heritage, eco-tourism, and marine conservation. Emphasizing environmental protection and local development, the project aims to position Maharashtra as a prominent destination for scuba diving and maritime heritage tourism. Scheduled for completion by 2026, it will usher in a new era of sustainable underwater attractions in the country.
Download Online Mock Test Mobile APP
