During our school period, we learned about the Earth’s interior, tectonic plates, earthquakes, volcanos and more but often we missed the real-world implications. But this only active volcano in India might give us the footage of real-world implications of how a volcano occurs and how it holds geological and ecological significance.
Everything about India’s only active volcano
In India, a total of 8 volcanos are present, among which Barren Island is the only active volcano in India. So, what do we mean by an active volcano? In your school, you might read about the volcanos that recently erupted or have a chance to erupt again in future, that is called an active volcano. Barren Island is one of them.
Barren Island has a geographically beautiful location in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is located in the Andaman Sea. Being a part of the volcanic belt it is on the edge of Indian and Burmese tectonic plates with a circular shape and has 3 km diameters.
The reason behind periodic volcanic eruptions in the Barren Island because of its location along with the volcanic belt. Henceforth, Indian and Burmese tectonic plates significantly contribute to the frequent eruptions of the volcano. Not only this, this volcano hosts a dormant volcano Narcodum which is present in the contrasting state of Barren Island.
Barren Island is known for its consistent geological activities. The island was first erupted in the year 1787. Over the years, the volcano consistently erupted. After 1787, the volcano erupted in 1789, 1803, 1851, 1991, 2005, 2017 and 2022.
Ash plumes, lava flows and strombolian explosions were the significant feature of the 1991 volcanic eruptions of Barren Island. The eruption of 1991 showcased the unpredictable nature of the volcano and the intensity of tectonic activities.
However, the volcano holds some ecological and geological significance. The island is not inhabited by humans. Although some rats, goats, some species of birds and other animals survived on the island despite its harsh conditions. Bats play a significant role in aiding pest control and pollination contributing to the ecosystem of the island. Even some hardy grasses and shrubs have been found on the island that handle the high temperatures and acidic soil.
Geologically, the landscape of Barren Island is characterised by dark purple sand which represents the natural beauty of the island. The island is a significant place for scientists to experiment with the nature of lava, tectonic activities, volcanic eruptions and many more.
Myths and Legends about the only active volcano in India
Despite the biological contribution of the island, Barren Island contains different myths and legends which makes it more attractive. However, according to the local folklore Barren Island once was inhabited by a mythical demon, called Rakshas. Rakshas was the figure of darkness and power. Lord Hanuman once fought with the Rakshas and gain victory over evil.
Not only this, another story was narrated by locals that Barren Island is revered in the name of Agni, the Hindu mythological god of fire. The locals believed that the volcanic eruptions were the power of Agni which added a mystical aura to the island. The volcano is revered as a sacred place by them.
Ecological impact of volcanic eruptions
India’s only active volcano, Barren Island, has nutrient-rich waters around it that foster marine life. Coral reefs, fish and other sea creatures have been found in this marine life that thrives around Barren Island. The island is isolated because of its unexplored natural beauty and unique biological features that make the island more attractive and unique.
In the bio-diversity of the island, different species of birds have been found. A total of 13 species of birds have been habited on Barren Island. Some bird species include the Asian Emerald Dove, Pied Imperial-Pigeon, Asian Koel, White-breasted Waterhen, Black-naped Tern, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle and more.
Because of periodical eruptions in India’s only active volcano, the water became inhabitable and nutrient-rich for several sea species. In this pristine water, different fish species such as snappers, tuna and barracudas inhabit. Moreover, sharks including whitetip reef sharks and blacktip reef sharks also inhabit these nutrient-rich waters.
Tourism potential in Barren Island
Barren Island holds a significant eco-tourism potential. The marine life, bio-diversity and volcanic landscape of this island create unique opportunities for tourists to explore the place. The local economy of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be attributed to the eco-tourism of Barren Island.
However, besides the opportunity, there are different challenges in managing the eco-tourism on Barren Island. The island is already been uninhabited by humans, and the environmental ecosystem does not allow humans to create any tourist spots on the island.
Moreover, the island is strictly restricted by the rules and regulations of Andaman and Nicobar Island to secure its natural beauty. Henceforth, it will be full of difficulties to transform the island from an active volcano to a tourist place unless it becomes a dormant volcano.
How to visit Barren Island?
Barren Island is not directly available for tourist places, therefore careful planning is necessary. The island is 138 km northwest of Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Island. Henceforth, you have to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands first.
However, you have to get a permit from the Forest Department at Port Blair to visit the island. Indian nationals are generally charged 500-1000 INR and foreign nations have to pay 2500 INR to get permission. Then you can book a chartered boat or a ship, as these are the only available ferry services there.
You have to be clear that, you do not get any accommodation or facilities in Barren Island. However, it took 4-5 hours to reach the Barren Island from Port Blair. If ferries are not available in Port Blair, you can also take it from Havelock Island and then it will take 2-3 hours to reach the main island.
Now you might wonder what activities you can do while visiting Barren Island. Well, there are many. Snorkelling, game fishing and scuba diving are the most popular activities that most of the tourists experience while exploring the pristine waters of the island.
FAQ
1. What is the only active volcano in India?
“In India, a total of 8 volcanos are present, among which Barren Island is the only active volcano in India.”
2. Where is Barren Island located?
“Barren Island has a geographically beautiful location in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is located in the Andaman Sea.”
3. Why does Barren Island experience periodic volcanic eruptions?
“The reason behind periodic volcanic eruptions in the Barren Island because of its location along with the volcanic belt.”
4. When did Barren Island first erupt?
“The island was first erupted in the year 1787.”
5. What happened during the 1991 eruption of Barren Island?
“Ash plumes, lava flows and strombolian explosions were the significant feature of the 1991 volcanic eruptions of Barren Island.”
6. What animals and plants survive on Barren Island despite its harsh conditions?
“Although some rats, goats, some species of birds and other animals survived on the island despite its harsh conditions. Bats play a significant role in aiding pest control and pollination contributing to the ecosystem of the island. Even some hardy grasses and shrubs have been found on the island that handle the high temperatures and acidic soil.”
7. What is the geographical significance of Barren Island’s landscape?
“Geologically, the landscape of Barren Island is characterized by dark purple sand which represents the natural beauty of the island.”
8. What birds can be found on Barren Island?
“Some bird species include the Asian Emerald Dove, Pied Imperial-Pigeon, Asian Koel, White-breasted Waterhen, Black-naped Tern, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle and more.”
9. How can you visit Barren Island?
“However, you have to get a permit from the Forest Department at Port Blair to visit the island. Indian nationals are generally charged 500-1000 INR and foreign nations have to pay 2500 INR to get permission.”
10. What activities can tourists enjoy around Barren Island?
“Snorkelling, game fishing and scuba diving are the most popular activities that most of the tourists experience while exploring the pristine waters of the island.”
