India Has an Active Volcano – Here’s What You Should Know | TDG Explainer

Many people are surprised to learn that India has an active volcano. While India is not known for volcanic activity like Indonesia or Japan, it does have one powerful volcano located in the remote Andaman Islands. This volcano sits on a small, isolated island and has fascinated scientists and travelers for years.

What Is an Active Volcano?

An active volcano is one that has erupted recently or shows signs that it might erupt again. This doesn’t mean it explodes constantly, but it remains geologically active. Scientists usually classify volcanoes into three groups: active, dormant, and extinct. Active ones, like Barren Island in India or Mount Etna in Italy, often release gases, ash, or lava and are closely monitored.

How Harmful Can It Be?

The level of danger from an active volcano depends on how it erupts. Lava flows, though slow, can destroy forests, homes, and farmland. They are less dangerous to people if there’s time to evacuate, but the damage to nature and property can be severe. Volcanic ash can spread over large areas. It can harm the lungs, destroy crops, damage machinery, and even collapse rooftops. A good example is the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland, which grounded thousands of flights across Europe due to ash in the air. One of the most dangerous volcanic events is a pyroclastic flow.

This is a fast-moving cloud of extremely hot gas and ash that rushes down the volcano’s slopes. It can destroy anything in its path. The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in the U.S. is a clear example—it killed 57 people and flattened nearby forests. Lahars are volcanic mudflows created when ash mixes with rain or melted snow. These flows move quickly and can bury entire towns. In 1985, a lahar from the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia killed more than 23,000 people in just a few hours. Volcanoes also release gases such as sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. These gases can pollute the air, irritate the lungs, and even cause death in high concentrations. Some gases can settle in low-lying areas, posing hidden risks to people and animals.

Where Is Barren Island Located?

Barren Island sits about 135 kilometers northeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It lies in the Andaman Sea, along a volcanic belt stretching from Sumatra in Indonesia to Myanmar. The island is small—about 3 kilometers wide—and completely uninhabited. Harsh conditions and a lack of fresh water make human settlement impossible.

Is Barren Island Dangerous?

Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, is not highly explosive. Its eruptions are usually mild, with slow lava flows and limited ash. However, it is still dangerous. For this reason, the Indian government bans people from landing on the island. Tourists can only view it from boats, under strict safety rules. Active volcanoes are powerful natural forces. While they help scientists understand Earth’s inner workings, they also come with serious risks. Monitoring and preparation are key to keeping nearby communities safe.

Why Is Barren Island Special?

Barren Island is unique for two reasons. First, it is India’s only active volcano. Second, it is the only active volcano in the entire Indian subcontinent. The volcano first erupted in 1787. After a long silence, it erupted again in 1991, followed by eruptions in 2005 and 2017. The latest recorded activity happened in 2021. Most eruptions are mild, with lava flowing slowly into the sea and ash clouds rising into the air. However, experts warn that the risk is still real.

Can You Visit Barren Island?

You can’t set foot on the island, but you can see it from the sea. The Indian government does not allow tourists to land on Barren Island due to safety concerns.

However, many tour operators from Port Blair and Havelock Island offer boat trips near the island. These trips often include scuba diving or snorkeling in the vibrant waters around the island. All visitors must get prior permission from authorities before going near the island.

What Lives on This Barren Land?

Despite its name, Barren Island hosts some wildlife. There are no trees or freshwater sources, but animals like feral goats, bats, rats, and seabirds survive here. Scientists believe these creatures either adapted to the tough conditions or were brought long ago by early sailors.

How Is Marine Life Thriving Nearby?

Interestingly, the area around Barren Island is full of marine life. Even with hot lava and volcanic gases, the coral reefs and plankton near the island thrive. This surprises scientists, as such environments are usually considered extreme. The region shows how life can adapt, even in tough ecosystems.

How Do Scientists Monitor the Volcano?

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) regularly monitors Barren Island. Researchers collect lava samples, study ash plumes, and track oceanic and seismic changes. Their work helps predict future eruptions and increases our understanding of India’s geology.

Are There Other Volcanoes in India?

India has no other active volcanoes. However, Narcondam Island, also in the Andaman region, has a dormant volcano. Dormant means it hasn’t erupted in a long time but could potentially become active again. Mainland India has no known volcanoes, either active or dormant.

Why Does Barren Island Matter?

Barren Island is more than just a geographical curiosity. It plays an important role in scientific research, showcases unique marine ecosystems, and adds to the natural beauty of the Andaman Islands. For travelers and nature lovers, it offers a rare glimpse of a living volcano—something not found anywhere else in India.

Barren Island is a hidden gem in India’s vast natural landscape. Although you can’t walk on it, seeing the volcano from a boat is still a breathtaking experience. If you’re ever in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, consider adding this rare wonder to your itinerary.