The Department of Telecommunications, in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is currently testing a new mobile alert system that will help send emergency warnings to people across India in real time. This new system, known as the Cell Broadcast system, is designed to send alerts instantly to mobile phones in areas affected by natural disasters or emergencies like tsunamis, earthquakes, lightning, gas leaks, or chemical hazards.

Unlike regular SMS alerts, which are sent individually, Cell Broadcast messages are sent to all mobile phones in a particular area at once, making them faster and more effective in critical situations. The Cell Broadcast system is being developed and implemented by the Centre for Development of Telematics of the Department of Telecom. The system is currently undergoing nationwide testing, which will last for about two to four weeks.

During this time, people may receive test messages on their mobile phones. These messages will clearly state that they are part of a test and do not require any action from the public.

Once the testing of the Cell Broadcast system is complete, it will be used alongside SMS alerts to deliver warnings in real time and multiple Indian languages to all mobile users.

The NDMA already runs an SMS-based alert system called ‘SACHET,’ which has been operational in all 36 states and Union Territories.