On Saturday, several citizens received an “extremely severe alert” message on their phones as the Union government tested a nationwide indigenous mobile emergency alert system.
It is designed to ensure faster and more effective delivery of emergency alerts during natural calamities, was developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
“India, launches Cell Broadcast using indigenous technology, for instant disaster alerting service for its citizens. Alert citizens, safe nation. No action is required by the public upon receipt of this message. This is a test message. - Government of India,” read the message received by millions of citizens on Saturday morning.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched the system, which uses an Integrated Alert System, known as SACHET.
What is SACHET?
SACHET is an Integrated Alert System developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics, or C-DOT, the research and development arm of the Department of Telecommunications, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority.
From floods to earthquakes, SACHET sends emergency warnings directly to your mobile, even if it's on silent mode. The platform is already active across all 36 states and Union Territories.
The system isn't entirely new. SACHET has been operational for some time, delivering geo-targeted SMS alerts to mobile users during cyclones, floods, extreme weather events, and other emergencies. It has so far transmitted over 134 billion alerts in more than 19 Indian languages. What today's launch marks is a significant upgrade, the addition of Cell Broadcast technology on top of the existing SMS infrastructure.
Unlike regular SMS, which can clog networks during a crisis, Cell Broadcast transmits messages simultaneously to every mobile device within a defined geographic area, without network overload, that means faster delivery during the exact moments when networks are most likely to be overwhelmed - earthquakes, tsunamis, gas leaks.
Another feature is that Cell Broadcast alerts are designed to override standard mobile settings, including silent and do-not-disturb modes, producing a distinctive alarm sound alongside a prominent on-screen warning. You don't need to be actively using your phone to receive one.
According to an official statement issued earlier this week, the system is based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), as recommended by the UN body 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.
"As part of the pan-India rollout and the launch of the Cell Broadcast (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," the statement said.
DoT has appealed for the public’s cooperation during the testing phase and reiterated that all test messages during this period are purely for system validation purposes, and no action is required from the recipients.
(With inputs from Thara Sara Kurian)