On December 8, 2018, Indian Navy agreed to gift INS Cuddalore, a decommissioned Pondicherry-class vessel, to the Union territory of Puducherry for the creation of country’s first underwater museum.
i. The 60 m long and 12 m wide vessel was decommissioned in March 2018 after sailing 13000 nautical miles.
ii. It would be sent to the sea bed at a depth of 26 m and 7 km off the Pondicherry coast to act as an underwater marine museum for scuba diving and snorkelling activities. This would enhance tourism in the UT.
iii. It would also help in enhanced marine biodiversity and boosting fishing industry.
Puducherry:
♦ Chief Minister: Shri. V. Narayanasamy.
♦ Lt. Governor: Dr. Kiren Bedi.
India’s first underwater museum to open off Puducherry coast in INS Cuddalore
