India is making significant strides in enhancing its Disaster Communication System to ensure citizens receive timely, life-saving information during emergencies. Spearheaded by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the initiative focuses on leveraging modern technologies to build a responsive and resilient alert mechanism nationwide.
Integrated Alert System: A Backbone of Disaster Communication System
At the core of India’s disaster alert framework is the Integrated Alert System, known as SACHET. This system operates using the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), an international standard recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Fully deployed across all 36 States and Union Territories, SACHET delivers disaster-related warnings via geo-targeted SMS.
Since its inception, SACHET has broadcast over 6,899 crore SMS alerts in more than 19 languages, covering everything from cyclones and floods to severe weather warnings—making it a vital component of India’s evolving Disaster Communication System.
Advancing with Cell Broadcast Technology
To expand the coverage and immediacy of alerts, the DoT is rolling out Cell Broadcast (CB) technology—a critical upgrade to India’s Disaster Communication System. Unlike SMS, CB technology transmits messages directly to all mobile devices within a specific area, enabling real-time alerts for high-impact events such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
This system is being developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and is designed to complement existing mechanisms, ensuring redundancy and reliability in emergency communication.
Ongoing Testing Phase of the CB System
Currently, the CB system is in its testing phase, which will run for 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, test messages will be transmitted in English and Hindi to CB-enabled mobile phones. These alerts are meant solely for evaluation and calibration of the system and require no action from the public.
This testing ensures that the Disaster Communication System is robust, responsive, and capable of functioning seamlessly across mobile networks during actual crises.
Public Awareness and Role in the Disaster Communication Framework
Public awareness and cooperation are essential to the success of this initiative. The DoT advises mobile users to remain calm when receiving test messages and understand that these alerts are part of a broader safety infrastructure being put in place.
Once live, the system will provide multilingual alerts to ensure maximum public outreach and minimise disaster-related casualties.
Looking Ahead: A More Resilient India
The modernization of the Disaster Communication System marks a pivotal shift in India’s approach to disaster preparedness. With real-time, accurate alerts reaching the masses, communities can act swiftly, mitigating the impact of natural and man-made disasters.
This enhanced system stands as a testament to India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and building a disaster-resilient nation.
