NEW DELHI : India has launched a nationwide mobile disaster alert system and is currently conducting large-scale trials across all states and Union Territories, with officials clarifying that alerts received on phones are test messages and not real emergencies.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is testing the system designed to deliver rapid warnings during emergencies such as floods, earthquakes and other disasters.
Officials said the platform is based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) , a global standard recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and has been integrated across telecom networks nationwide.
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The system also uses Cell Broadcast technology, enabling simultaneous delivery of alerts to all mobile phones within a specific geographic area for near real-time emergency communication.
Authorities said users may receive repeated test alerts in English, Hindi or regional languages during the ongoing rollout.
Officials stressed that the messages are part of system testing only and require no action from recipients.
The government has urged citizens not to panic, stating the platform is still under evaluation before its full-scale operational launch nationwide.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the initiative reflects the government’s forward-looking approach, adding that during challenging times such as the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already demonstrated the importance of timely alerts and preparedness. He noted that as the world’s most populous country, India must adapt to modern systems that strengthen disaster readiness and public safety.
