The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), government of India, is actively enhancing mobile-based disaster communication systems across the country to ensure timely dissemination of critical information to its citizens.
NDMA has successfully operationalised the Integrated Alert System (SACHET), developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the research and development (R&D) centre of DoT. The system is based on the common alerting protocol (CAP), as recommended by the International Telecommunication Union. It is currently operational across all 36 states and union territories of India and delivers disaster and emergency related alerts via SMS to mobile users within geo-targeted areas.
The system has been extensively utilised by disaster management authorities, enabling the dissemination of over 134 billion SMS alerts, till date, in more than 19 Indian languages during natural disasters, weather warnings, and cyclonic events.
To further strengthen alert dissemination in time-critical situations, such as tsunamis, earthquakes, lightning strikes and man-made emergencies like gas leaks or chemical hazards, cell broadcast (CB) technology has been introduced alongside SMS. In a CB system, alerts are transmitted to all mobile devices within a defined geographic area simultaneously, ensuring near real-time delivery of the alerts.
C-DOT has been entrusted with the indigenous development and implementation of this CB-based public emergency alert system.
As part of the pan-India rollout and the launch of the CB facility, nationwide testing and trials are currently being conducted to assess the system’s performance and reliability prior to its formal inauguration and dedication to the nation. During this period, members of the public may receive test messages in English, Hindi and regional languages on their mobile devices.
These test messages will only be received on mobile devices with CB test channels enabled. Recipients may receive multiple messages as part of the testing process to ensure proper functioning across the entire mobile network infrastructure. These messages are part of a planned nationwide testing exercise and do not require any action by the recipients.
Once successfully tested and operationalised, the CB system will be used to disseminate alerts in multiple Indian languages across all mobile handsets, regardless of test channel settings, ensuring a wide and inclusive public reach during actual emergencies.
