Archive · 7 Aug 2025
Decommissioned Warship to Become Underwater Reef in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, an old warship called INS Guldar is going to be sunk on purpose!
It's a plan to make an underwater park with an artificial reef to attract tourists.
This is India's first attempt.
The ship will be a home for fish, attracting scuba divers.
The government is paying for it, and they hope to have lots of visitors.
The sinking is delayed but will happen soon.
Once underwater, it will offer different dive levels and there are plans for non-divers to experience the shipwreck too.
Decommissioned warship INS Guldar will be scuttled to become an artificial reef and tourist attraction.
The project aims to boost tourism in Sindhudurg, attracting scuba divers and creating an underwater museum.
Scuttling was delayed due to tensions, monsoon, and is expected to take 10 hours.
The project will cost Rs 78 crore, with the Centre covering 60% and the state the rest.
Non-certified divers will be able to dive to 12 metres; advanced divers can go to the deepest part of the ship.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is spearheading the project, with support from the Central and State governments.
- What
- INS Guldar, a decommissioned warship, is being scuttled to create an artificial reef and underwater tourist attraction.
- When
- The scuttling was initially planned for April but postponed. No specific date is provided in the articles.
- Where
- Off the coast of Sindhudurg, near Malvan and Tarkali beaches in Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- To develop tourism in Sindhudurg, create an underwater habitat, and attract scuba divers.
Potential Benefits
Potential Challenges
Reef Formation
Potential Benefits
Creates a diving site that attracts fish.
Potential Challenges
May take time to establish a viable reef.
- Ship Name
- INS Guldar
- Location
- Sindhudurg, Maharashtra
- Project Cost
- Rs 78 crore
- Ship Length
- 81 meters
- Anticipated Tourists (Year 1)
- 71,000
- Depth of Sinking
- 30 meters