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India Launches Nationwide Mobile Alert System to Boost Disaster Response
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, will formally launch a nationwide mobile-based disaster communication system aimed at strengthening India’s emergency response framework. The system is designed to ensure quicker and more reliable delivery of alerts to citizens during natural disasters and other critical situations.
Developed jointly by the Department of Telecommunications and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the platform is expected to significantly enhance how emergency information is shared with the public.
SACHET Platform at the Core of the System
At the heart of the initiative is the Integrated Alert System, known as SACHET, which has already been deployed across all 36 States and Union Territories. Built by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the system uses SMS-based geo-targeted alerts to warn users in affected regions.
The platform follows the internationally recognised Common Alerting Protocol recommended by the International Telecommunication Union, ensuring standardised and efficient communication during emergencies.
Massive Scale of Existing Alert Network
Officials noted that the system has already been used extensively across India. More than 134 billion SMS alerts have been sent so far, delivered in over 19 Indian languages. These alerts cover a wide range of emergencies, including cyclones, floods, heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and other extreme weather events.
This large-scale deployment highlights the growing reliance on digital infrastructure to reduce disaster-related risks and improve public safety.
Introduction of Cell Broadcast Technology
To further strengthen the system, the government is introducing Cell Broadcast (CB) technology alongside SMS alerts. Unlike traditional messaging, CB allows simultaneous transmission of alerts to all mobile devices within a specific geographic area.
This ensures near-instant delivery of warnings even during network congestion, making it particularly useful during high-impact disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning strikes, flash floods and industrial accidents.
Stronger, Faster, and More Reliable Alerts
Officials said the integration of SMS and Cell Broadcast technologies will create a more resilient emergency communication network. The upgraded system is expected to improve response coordination, reduce delays and help save lives by ensuring timely dissemination of critical information.
Nationwide Testing and Public Advisory
As part of the rollout, a nationwide testing exercise will be conducted. Mobile users in several cities, including Delhi-NCR, may receive test alerts in English, Hindi, and regional languages.
The government has clarified that these messages are part of system testing and do not require any action from the public. Citizens have been advised not to panic upon receiving such alerts.
