India’s First Underwater Museum to Be Built Around INS Guldar in Maharashtra

India is set to develop its first underwater museum and artificial coral reef around the decommissioned warship INS Guldar near Nivati Rocks, located off the coast of Vengurla in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. The project, supported by the Union Tourism Ministry with an outlay of ₹46.91 crore, aims to promote marine biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and underwater adventure tourism like scuba diving and submarine tours.

Why in News?

On June 11, 2025, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis virtually attended the launch of India’s first underwater museum project, marking a significant step in promoting sustainable tourism and marine ecosystem restoration. The decommissioned INS Guldar, which served the Indian Navy until January 2024, has been handed over to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to transform it into a submerged attraction.

Aims and Objectives

• Convert INS Guldar into an underwater museum to promote marine tourism.
• Create an artificial coral reef to support marine biodiversity.
• Offer new tourism opportunities including scuba diving and future submarine tours.
• Preserve naval heritage by repurposing a historic vessel.

About INS Guldar

• INS Guldar was a 1,120-ton Landing Ship Tank (LST) in the Indian Navy.
• It was decommissioned in January 2024 after years of service.
• The ship has undergone environmental cleaning to make it suitable for submersion without harming marine ecosystems.

Site and Environmental Impact

• Nivati Rocks, Vengurla, in Sindhudurg district, has been chosen for its pristine waters and rich marine life.
• The ship will be scuttled (intentionally sunk) to serve as the foundation for coral reef formation.
• Artificial reefs help rejuvenate marine life, benefiting both biodiversity and local fisheries.

Funding and Project Implementation

• The Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned ₹46.91 crore for the initiative.
• The project is being implemented by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).
• The initiative aligns with India’s goals of promoting Blue Economy, eco-tourism, and sustainable development.

Expected Benefits

• Boosts coastal tourism and creates local employment opportunities.
• Enhances India’s status as a hub for eco-tourism and maritime heritage.
• Serves educational and recreational purposes for tourists, students, and marine researchers.
• Encourages awareness of marine conservation and sustainable tourism practices.