The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Central Government conducted a pan-India “emergency alert” testing on Friday with the goal of enhancing public safety and offering prompt warning during emergencies.
On the Vodafone Idea, Jio, Airtel, and BSNL networks, a sample test message with the subject line “Emergency Alert: Severe” was sent to users. Earlier, there had been a similar advisory. The sample test message was transmitted by DoT on behalf of the Union Ministry of Communications using the “Cell Broadcasting System.”
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) tested the pan-India emergency alert system by sending out this message.”This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent through the Cell Broadcasting System by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. Please ignore this message as no action is required from your end. This message has been sent to test the Pan-India Emergency Alert System being implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority. It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies,” the text message read.
The message was sent in both Hindi and English to cell phones of people across India and upon receipt, cell phones started vibrating with a sharp beep sound, alerting people.
An official from the NDMA told ANI that it was a “Cell Broadcasting System” message that is currently under testing and being sent by the DoT.
“This is part of a broader plan to enhance public safety by providing timely alerts during emergencies. A pan-India emergency alert system is being implemented by the NDMA, but the messages are being circulated by the DoT. The NDMA would keep spreading awareness about disaster-related emergencies through such alerts in the future after the system is established,” said the official.
