INS Guldar: India’s First Underwater Museum Project in Maharashtra

INS Guldar becomes the centerpiece of India’s first underwater museum in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. Learn about this unique naval heritage and eco-tourism project transforming marine conservation.

India is set to create its first-ever underwater museum and artificial coral reef, using the decommissioned warship INS Guldar. The project, located near Nivati Rocks, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, is spearheaded by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) with support from both the state and central governments

Commissioning and Handover of INS Guldar
Launched in December 1985, INS Guldar served the Indian Navy for nearly 39 years before being decommissioned on January 12, 2024 On February 21, 2025, the Indian Navy formally handed over the ship to MTDC on an “as‑is, where‑is” basis at Karwar

Preparations for Sinking and Museum Set-up
MTDC’s transformative plan involves meticulous decontamination to remove hazardous materials, strict compliance with environmental guidelines, and acquiring necessary clearances/NOCs This effort will not only preserve marine safety but also ensure the ship retains its historical integrity as it’s sunk off the coast of Sindhudurg.

Ecological and Marine Conservation Goals
The underwater installation aims to function as a thriving artificial reef, fostering biodiversity by providing shelter for marine organisms. Such ecosystems are known to benefit fisheries, enhance marine life populations, and raise environmental awareness

Boost to Tourism and Coastal Communities
Located in a promising tourist hub, the project is expected to attract scuba divers, snorkelers, and submarine tourists, fueling local economies through tourism-related jobs and services

Legacy and Naval Training Applications
Beyond tourism, the sunken vessel will serve as a living museum, immortalizing the legacy of INS Guldar and its operations—such as Op Aman, Op Pawan, and Op Azad. Additionally, it will become a training ground for Indian Navy divers

This integrated initiative effectively blends heritage conservation, marine protection, and economic upliftment, marking a pioneering stride in India’s maritime innovation.

Why This News Matters

🧠 Relevance for Aspirants

Government exam syllabi for defence, environment, tourism, and general awareness now include emerging trends like ecotourism, marine biodiversity, and heritage conservation. This project intersects all these domains.

Policy & Governance Lens

The collaboration between state government (Maharashtra) and a central organization (Indian Navy/MTDC) exemplifies multi-tiered governance and public-private partnerships—key themes in GS-II/III of UPSC syllabi.

Environmental Impact & Sustainable Development

With UN Sustainable Development Goals emphasizing responsible marine industries, this artificial reef aligns with policies for biodiversity preservation, blue economy, and ecotourism—significant for civil service and environment-related exams.

Innovation in Defence Management

Transforming a decommissioned naval asset into a public resource highlights forward-thinking asset management, sustainable disposal practices, and the transformation of defence infrastructure—topics relevant for defence services exams and civil service ethics.

Strategic Coastal Significance

Located in Sindhudurg, part of the planet’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, this project holds coastal strategic importance and could be replicated in other maritime regions—important for geographical and strategic studies.

Historical Context

The Journey of INS Guldar

Built at Poland’s Gdańsk Shipyard, INS Guldar was commissioned in December 1985. Over nearly four decades, she conducted over 490 beach landing operations and participated in key missions including Operation Aman, Operation Pawan, Operation Azad, and Operation Tasha—serving both Eastern and Andaman Naval commands

Precedents in Global Naval Museums

Countries like the United States and Australia have sunk decommissioned vessels to serve as artificial reefs and dive attractions—combining conservation, historical education, and tourism. India’s project mirrors this trend, but marks a milestone as the first time an Indian naval vessel is repurposed this way.

Environmental Frameworks

Marine Conservation initiatives under India’s Coastal Regulation Zone and guidelines on artificial reefs make this project a case study in executing eco-sensitive tourism. The project’s compliance measures reflect these regulatory frameworks.

Key Takeaways from “India’s First Underwater Museum Around INS Guldar”

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is India’s first underwater museum project?
India’s first underwater museum is being developed around the decommissioned warship INS Guldar off the coast of Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.

Q2. Who is leading the project to build the underwater museum?
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is spearheading the project with support from the Indian Navy.

Q3. What was INS Guldar’s role in the Indian Navy?
INS Guldar was a landing ship tank (LST) that served the Navy for nearly 39 years and participated in multiple naval operations such as Op Aman and Op Pawan.

Q4. What are the environmental benefits of this museum project?
The project is designed to function as an artificial reef, promoting marine biodiversity, aiding coral formation, and supporting the local ecosystem.

Q5. How will the project help the local economy?
By boosting ecotourism, scuba diving, and local hospitality services, the project is expected to generate employment and increase tourist inflow to Sindhudurg.

Q6. What precautionary measures are being taken before sinking the ship?
The ship is undergoing decontamination to remove hazardous materials, and the project must obtain necessary environmental and coastal clearances.

Q7. Will the site serve any purpose beyond tourism?
Yes, it will serve as a naval training ground and a heritage site preserving the history of the Indian Navy.

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