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Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra is set to become a new marine tourism hub with the development of India’s first underwater museum and submarine tourism project near Nivati Rocks along the Konkan coast. The project includes the submerged decommissioned naval warship Ex-INS Guldar, which will function as an underwater museum and artificial reef. Backed by central and state government funding, the initiative aims to boost adventure tourism, scuba diving and marine activities in the region. Officials expect the project to generate employment opportunities for local communities while promoting sustainable tourism and marine biodiversity conservation.
Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra, known for its beaches, forts and coastal tourism, is preparing to add a new attraction with India’s first underwater museum and submarine tourism project being developed near the Nivati Rock formations along the Konkan coastline. Advertisement
The project is coming up around 500 kilometres from Mumbai and is expected to strengthen marine and adventure tourism in the region. As part of the initiative, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) recently completed the scuttling of decommissioned Indian Navy warship Ex-INS Guldar off the Sindhudurg coast.
The vessel was placed on the seabed near Nivati Rock at a depth of nearly 22 metres in coordination with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. Officials said the process was carried out after scientific studies confirmed that the selected location did not contain natural coral reefs and would have minimal environmental impact.
The project is being developed under the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme aimed at developing iconic tourist destinations. The Union government had approved financial assistance of INR 46.91 crore for the project in late 2024, while the Maharashtra government later granted revised administrative approval of INR 112.46 crore.
Ex-INS Guldar, a Magar-class Landing Ship Tank warship of the Indian Navy, served for nearly four decades before being decommissioned in early 2024. Originally launched at a shipyard in Poland in 1985, the vessel was used for amphibious operations, troop movement, naval exercises and coastal security duties during its service period.
Before being submerged underwater, the warship underwent environmental cleaning and removal of hazardous materials. Officials said the vessel would now serve as an artificial reef, helping coral growth and supporting marine biodiversity and fisheries in the area.
Under the tourism plan, visitors will travel from the jetty to Nivati Rock through speedboats and barges. The project will offer activities such as guided wreck diving, scuba diving experiences for beginners and certified divers, underwater photography sessions and marine education programmes.
Authorities are also developing a submarine tourism facility to make the attraction accessible to visitors who do not wish to dive underwater. MTDC managing director Nilesh Gatne said the submarine project is under construction and is expected to become operational within the next one-and-a-half years. He said the facility would allow tourists to safely experience the underwater site and marine ecosystem without entering the sea.
Officials added that artificial coral reefs would be created around the submerged ship to encourage the growth of marine life and provide habitat for fish and other species. Over time, the site is expected to develop into a larger underwater ecosystem supporting tourism as well as ecological activity.
Environmental safeguards are also being incorporated into the project. A study conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography confirmed that the selected area did not have natural coral formations. Authorities also removed all polluting materials from the vessel before deployment underwater.
Restrictions on fishing and anchoring within a 500-metre radius around the site have been proposed to protect marine biodiversity and ensure long-term sustainability of the project.
Sindhudurg Collector Trupti Dhomase said at the Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports that the project could give a new direction to marine tourism in India while balancing environmental protection and sustainable development.
Tourism and local administration officials believe the initiative could create employment opportunities for local youth in sectors such as scuba diving, boating, hospitality, transport, photography and water sports services. Businesses linked to accommodation, food services and coastal tourism are also expected to benefit as visitor activity increases across Sindhudurg and nearby Konkan destinations.
Experts from the tourism sector said the underwater museum and submarine rides could help place Sindhudurg among emerging marine tourism destinations globally, while also expanding India’s adventure tourism offerings beyond traditional beach tourism.
Source PTI
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