INS Guldar Transformed Into Underwater Museum

The decommissioned warship INS Guldar, once a crucial part of India’s naval defense, is set to be transformed into an underwater museum and artificial reef off the Sindhudurg coast, Maharashtra.

The ship was formerly under the control of the Andaman and Nicobar Command and has now been handed over to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Limited (MTDC) following an agreement with the Indian Navy at the Karwar naval base.

Marine Museum Project: Key Highlights

Location: The project will be developed near Vengurla in Malvan, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, aiming to boost marine tourism in the Konkan region.

Historical Significance:

The museum will be located near Vijaydurg, a prominent Maratha-era fort in the Arabian Sea, which remained under Maratha rule for 105 years.

The fort’s historical and strategic importance played a key role in selecting the location for this project.

Part of National Tourism Initiative:

• The underwater museum project is part of PM Narendra Modi’s initiative, which includes 40 tourism projects across 23 states.

Marine Conservation & Employment Generation:

• The transformation will help in marine conservation and create livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
• It is expected to enhance India’s position in underwater tourism.

Transformation Process: Cleaning & Environmental Safety:

• The warship will undergo a thorough cleaning process, with all pollutants and hazardous materials removed.
• The scuttling (sinking of the ship) will be carried out off the Sindhudurg coast following strict environmental guidelines.

Regulatory Compliance:

• All required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will be obtained.
• Marine conservation and safety protocols will be strictly followed.

Other Marine Museums in India

India has successfully converted other naval vessels into museums, preserving maritime heritage:

1. INS Kursura (S20) – Vishakhapatnam: India’s first submarine museum and South Asia’s first.
2. INS Vikrant – Mumbai: Served as a museum before being recommissioned in 2022.
3. INS Cuddalore: A decommissioned minesweeper (60m long, 12m wide), now transformed into an underwater museum.

About INS Guldar

Type & Origin:

• INS Guldar is a Polnocny Class Landing Ship, built at Gdynia Shipyard, Poland.

Commissioning & Service:

• Commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 30, 1985.
• Served Eastern Naval Command (1985-1995) and later the Andaman and Nicobar Command until decommissioning on January 12, 2024.

Operational Achievements:

• Served 39 years, sailing for over 3,900 days.
• Conducted over 490 beaching operations, landing Army troops ashore.
• Participated in various naval operations, including: Operation Aman, Operation Azad,  Operation Pawan, Operation Tasha.

Significance of the Project

• Boosts Marine Tourism: Strengthens India’s presence in the global underwater tourism sector.
• Preserves Naval Heritage: Honors INS Guldar’s legacy and contribution to national security.
• Promotes Marine Conservation: Establishes an artificial reef, supporting marine biodiversity.
• Supports Coastal Economy: Generates employment opportunities for local communities.

By transforming INS Guldar into an underwater museum, India is taking a significant step in showcasing its naval heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and marine conservation.