India's Only Mud Volcano Erupts in Baratang After 20-Year Dormancy: Natural Wonder Reawakens

India's solitary mud volcano in Baratang, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has erupted after remaining dormant for over two decades, officials confirmed on Friday.

The volcanic eruption occurred on October 2, accompanied by a powerful deafening sound that resembled an explosion.

"The mud volcano is formed by gases emanating from decaying organic matter deep within the earth. These gases push mud to the surface, creating bubbles and craters. This natural phenomenon has become one of the must-visit attractions in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands," explained an official.

Authorities received reports about the violent eruption at Jarwa Creek, Baratang, at approximately 1:30 pm on Thursday. An official noted that such a significant eruption was last documented in 2005. Upon receiving this information, local police and forest officials promptly visited the location to assess the situation.

Situated in the North and Middle Andaman district, Baratang lies approximately 150 kilometers from Port Blair. The area has gained popularity among tourists primarily because it hosts India's only mud volcano.

The recent eruption has created an earth mound measuring 3-4 meters in height, with muddy soil spreading across more than 1,000 square meters. "The eruption continues active, with mud and smoke consistently emerging from the site. As a precautionary safety measure, tourist movement toward the mud volcano has been restricted. The Forest department has closed all approach routes, and the incident has been reported to the Geological department," a senior police officer stated.

Officials have implemented comprehensive safety measures for both tourists and local residents. The police have informed the Fiber Boat Owners' Association and local tourist vehicle operators about the suspension of travel to the mud volcano site.

This event follows recent volcanic activity at Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where minor eruptions were observed twice within eight days on September 13 and September 20.

Located approximately 140 kilometers by sea from Port Blair, the uninhabited Barren Island sits at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates. The island covers an area of 8.34 square kilometers, with the nearest inhabited locations being Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island) and Narcondam Lookout Post, both approximately 140-150 kilometers away.

Historical records from the Andaman and Nicobar administration indicate that Barren Island's first documented eruption occurred in 1787, followed by milder eruptions in 1991, 2005, 2017, with the most recent prior to this event happening in November 2022.

An official clarified: "The mud volcano at Baratang and the active volcano in Barren Island are separate geological features located in different areas. The recent active volcanic eruptions on September 13 and 20 were observed at Barren Island, while the October 2 event occurred at the mud volcano in Baratang."