NEWS

• India’s only mud volcano at Baratang, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, erupted on October 2, 2025.
• The volcano had been dormant for more than 20 years.
• The eruption produced mud and smoke, forming an earth mound of 3–4 metres and spreading over 1,000 sq. metres.
• Tourist movement to the site has been suspended for safety.

HIGHLIGHTS

Location and Significance

• Baratang is located in the North and Middle Andaman district, approximately 150 km from Port Blair.
• It is a popular tourist destination and the only mud volcano in India.
• The mud volcano is formed by gases from decaying organic matter pushing mud to the surface, creating bubbles and craters.

Formation of Mud Volcanoes

• Also called Mud Domes, these geological formations erupt mud, water, and gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.
• Unlike traditional volcanoes, they do not emit lava.
• Heights vary from 1–2 metres to 700 metres, and widths can range from 1–2 metres to 10 km.
• Mud volcanoes often contribute to the formation of hot water springs.

Recent Volcanic Activity in the Region

• The last major eruption at Baratang occurred in 2005.
• Nearby Barren Island, an active volcanic island, witnessed minor eruptions on September 13 and 20, 2025.
• Barren Island is located 140 km from Port Blair, at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates.

Safety Measures

• Forest department closed all approach routes to the mud volcano.
• Local police coordinated with tourist operators to halt movement to the site.
• Incident reported to the Geological Department for monitoring.