India mobile disaster alert system SACHET launched on May 2, using Cell Broadcast to send fast geo targeted emergency warnings to citizens in multiple languages.
The platform has been developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
At the core is the Integrated Alert System, SACHET, developed by Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an indigenously developed platform, which is already operational across all states and Union Territories and has delivered over 134 billion SMS alerts in more than 19 Indian languages.
The system is based on the globally recognised Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), as recommended by the International Telecommunication Union.
How the new system will work
The upgrade introduces Cell Broadcast (CB) technology alongside SMS, enabling authorities to push alerts simultaneously to all mobile phones in a specific geographic area, rather than sending messages individually
Unlike SMS, which can get delayed during network congestion, CB messages are transmitted directly from mobile towers to devices using a dedicated channel, allowing millions of users to receive alerts almost instantly.
The system is geo-targeted, meaning only people physically present in an affected area—such as a coastal zone during a tsunami warning—will receive the alert.
Messages are also designed to override typical notification behaviour: they can appear as pop-ups on screens, may trigger a loud alert tone or vibration, and are displayed prominently until acknowledged by the user.
Because the technology is broadcast-based, it does not rely on individual phone numbers and can reach even roaming users or devices without heavy network usage.
What kind of alerts people will receive
Authorities say the system will be used for both natural and man-made emergencies, including earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning strikes and man-made hazards such as gas leaks or chemical incidents.
Alerts can include:
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- Early warnings (e.g. severe weather or seismic activity)
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- Immediate threat notifications (e.g. evacuation orders, hazardous leaks)
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- Public safety advisories (do’s and don’ts during disasters)
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- Location-specific instructions, such as evacuation routes or shelters
Messages will be delivered in multiple languages based on region and device settings.
What to expect during the May 2 test
As part of the launch exercise, test alerts will be sent to mobile phones in all state capitals, including Delhi-NCR, in English, Hindi as well as regional languages.
The government has shared the exact test message that will be sent:
“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.”
“भारत द्वारा स्वदेशी तकनीक का उपयोग करते हुए अपने नागरिकों के लिए त्वरित आपदा चेतावनी सेवा हेतु सेल ब्रॉडकास्ट का शुभारंभ। सचेत नागरिक, सुरक्षित राष्ट्र। इस संदेश की प्राप्ति पर जनता से किसी प्रकार की कार्रवाई की अपेक्षा नहीं की जाती है। यह एक परीक्षण संदेश है।”
These will appear as on-screen messages clearly marked as test communications.
These may show up as flash messages or pop-ups on mobile screens, depending on handset and network compatibility.
The government has urged citizens not to panic, stressing that the exercise is meant to validate the system’s ability to deliver fast, reliable alerts during real emergencies.
India launches disaster alert system: Received alarm-like notification on phone? Here’s what it means
NEW DELHI: India has stepped up efforts to strengthen its disaster preparedness system, with the government rolling out nationwide testing of a mobile-based emergency alert mechanism that has already reached users across the country.
Officials have clarified that there is no reason for concern, as the alerts currently being received on mobile phones are part of a trial phase and not actual emergency warnings.
The system, being tested by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is designed to deliver real-time alerts to people in disaster-prone or affected areas.
“Test messages in English, Hindi, and regional languages may be received on mobile phones; recipients are requested not to take any action during the testing phase,” govt said in a statement.
According to the official release, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India, is actively enhancing mobile-based disaster communication systems across the country to ensure timely dissemination of critical information to its citizens.
NDMA has successfully operationalised the Integrated Alert System (SACHET), developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications.
The system is based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), as recommended by the 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.
Officials said the system has already played a major role in public safety communication, enabling the dissemination of over 134 billion SMS alerts so far in more than 19 Indian languages during natural disasters, weather warnings, and cyclonic events.
To further improve response time in critical situations such as earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning strikes, gas leaks or chemical hazards, authorities have introduced Cell Broadcast (CB) technology alongside SMS alerts.
This system allows alerts to be transmitted simultaneously to all mobile devices within a defined geographic area, ensuring near real-time delivery.
C-DOT has been entrusted with the indigenous development and implementation of this Cell Broadcast-based public emergency alert system.
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.
These “test messages” will only be received on mobile devices with Cell Broadcast test channels enabled (Users can enable or disable alerts through the following menu path on their mobile devices: Settings → Safety and emergency → Wireless emergency alerts → Test alerts).
Recipients may receive multiple messages as part of the testing process to ensure proper functioning across the entire mobile network infrastructure.
“This is a TEST Cell Broadcast message sent by the National Disaster Management Authority in coordination with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, as part of testing the Cell Broadcast solution for disseminating alerts. During the testing of the Cell Broadcast solution, you may receive this message multiple times on your mobile handset. Please ignore these message(s); no action is required at your end.”
Authorities emphasised that these messages are part of a planned nationwide testing exercise and do not require any action by the recipients.
