Amit Shah To Launch Cell Broadcast System Today; What Is India’s Mobile Disaster Alert Network?

New Delhi: The central government is going to launch a new mobile-based communication system to provide immediate warning to people during disasters across the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will launch this initiative. The objective of this system is to ensure that accurate information reaches people at the right time in case of earthquake, flood or any emergency.

What is this new disaster warning system?

It is a nationwide mobile alert system, developed by the Department of Telecommunications in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Its purpose is to provide immediate and effective warning to citizens in case of emergency so that damage can be reduced.

What is the role of ‘Sachet’ platform?

The basis of this system is the integrated warning system named ‘Sachet’, which has been implemented in all the states and union territories of the country. It has been developed by C-DOT and is capable of sending alerts to mobile users according to location.

How many alerts have been sent so far?

According to the government, more than 134 billion SMS alerts have been sent so far through this system. These alerts have been sent in more than 19 Indian languages, including warnings of cyclones, heavy rains, floods and other natural disasters.

What is cell broadcast technology?

Along with SMS, ‘cell broadcast’ technology has also been included in the new system. Through this, an alert can be sent simultaneously to all the mobile phones in a particular area so that the message reaches immediately even when the network is busy.

Will it be tested in the entire country?

To implement this system, trials will be conducted across the country. Test messages can be sent to people's mobiles in many cities including Delhi-NCR. The government has made it clear that these will be just tests and people need not panic.

How will this change the way of disaster management?

The combination of SMS and cell broadcast will further strengthen the country's emergency communication system. This will enable real-time information to reach people during times of crisis and will help in taking necessary steps in time.