A Ship’s New Life
INS Guldar is a naval warship that has worked for the Indian Navy for almost 39 years. Now, it is getting ready for a new job under the sea.
The ship will be put under water near the Sindhudurg coast in Maharashtra. Once it is underwater, it will become India’s first underwater museum and artificial reef. This will mix history, tourism, and care for the environment in a special way.
About INS Guldar
INS Guldar is 83 metres long. It was built in Poland and joined the Navy in December 1985. The ship weighs 1,120 tons and was mainly used for amphibious operations. In operations like these, ships carry soldiers, vehicles, and supplies right onto the shore.
During its career, the ship took part in many Navy exercises and helped protect the coast. It retired in January 2024, and the Navy gave it to the Maharashtra government for free.
Why Sink a Ship?
The plan is to put INS Guldar under the water near Nivati Rocks for scuba tourism. Scuba diving is an adventure sport where people use oxygen tanks to breathe underwater and look at sea life.
In many countries, old ships are turned into artificial reefs. These are man-made structures that attract fish, corals, and other sea creatures. Over time, the reef becomes full of life. This helps both nature and tourism.
How This Will Help
The new underwater museum will bring divers from India and other countries. In Florida, a similar ship called USS Spiegel Grove makes about ₹50 crore each year from diving tourism. Sindhudurg is already good for diving, with training centres and beaches like Malvan and Tarkarli.
The project will give jobs to more than 800 people, like local guides, diving teachers, and boat operators. There are also plans for a tourist submarine, so even non-divers can see the site. The reef will give sea animals a safe place to live and grow, helping marine life.
A Tribute
Sinking INS Guldar is also a way to honour a ship that worked for the nation for decades. Instead of cutting it into scrap, it will become a home for sea life and a place where people can learn about history. It is a mix of respect for the past and hope for the future.
Quick Revision
• INS Guldar served the Indian Navy for 39 years. Built in Poland, it joined in 1985, carried soldiers and supplies, and retired in 2024.
• It will be sunk near Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, to become India’s first underwater museum and artificial reef.
• The reef will attract fish and sea life and promote scuba diving tourism.
• The project can bring tourists, create 800+ jobs, and help protect marine life.
• It is a tribute to the ship, turning it into a place of history and nature instead of scrap.
