Delhi: Mobile users across India were startled on Saturday when an urgent “Extremely Severe Alert” appeared on their screens, but authorities later clarified that the message was part of a nationwide preparedness exercise.
The trial marked the rollout of a new disaster warning platform developed to deliver rapid alerts during emergencies. The system, launched by Amit Shah and Jyotiraditya Scindia, has been created by the Centre for Development of Telematics and is now operational across all states and Union Territories.
Known as SACHET, the platform uses cell broadcast technology to push notifications directly to mobile devices. Unlike traditional SMS-based alerts, these messages are delivered instantly to all compatible phones in a specific area, even if devices are set to silent or “Do Not Disturb” mode. The alerts are accompanied by a distinct sound and a full-screen message to ensure immediate attention.
Officials explained that the purpose of the exercise was to assess the system’s reach and responsiveness under real-world conditions. The technology is expected to play a crucial role in warning citizens about natural disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, lightning strikes, and tsunamis, as well as industrial hazards like gas leaks.
Authorities noted that while SMS alerts have been widely used in the past, the new system offers faster, location-targeted communication, particularly useful during network congestion or large-scale emergencies.
Once fully integrated, the platform is expected to significantly enhance India’s disaster response capabilities by ensuring timely alerts reach people in affected areas, potentially saving lives during critical situations.
