In a major step toward strengthening public safety and disaster preparedness, the Government of India is set to launch a nationwide mobile-based disaster communication system on May 2. The initiative will be officially unveiled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the presence of Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia.
The newly introduced system has been developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Its primary objective is to ensure that citizens receive timely and accurate alerts during emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, industrial accidents, and other critical situations.
A key feature of this upgraded framework is the integration of advanced Cell Broadcast technology with the existing SACHET alert platform. Unlike traditional SMS alerts, Cell Broadcast enables simultaneous delivery of emergency notifications to all mobile devices within a defined geographic area, ensuring faster and near-instant communication during time-sensitive events.
The SACHET system, created by Centre for Development of Telematics, is already operational across all 36 States and Union Territories. It has played a significant role in disaster management efforts by sending over 134 billion SMS alerts in more than 19 Indian languages.
As part of the launch process, test messages will be sent to mobile users in capital cities, including Delhi and NCR, in multiple languages. Authorities have clarified that these will be trial alerts and no action will be required from recipients.
This nationwide rollout marks a significant advancement in India’s disaster response infrastructure, showcasing the government’s commitment to leveraging indigenous technology for citizen safety and efficient crisis communication. By combining geo-targeted alerts with multilingual accessibility, the new system aims to create a more resilient and informed society.
