Gujarat LSA, Department of Telecommunications, in collaboration with C-DoT, National Disaster Management Authority and Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority, successfully conducted Cell Broadcast Alert System testing on 29.08.2023 (Tuesday) in parts of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Daman, Surat Rajkot, Kutch, Vadodara. This testing was conducted as a preparatory exercise for emergency communication during disasters and ensure the safety and well-being of our valued citizens.
This was part of a pan-India level testing of the Cell Broadcast Alert System, which is being conducted to gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency alert broadcasting capabilities of various Mobile Operators and Cell Broadcast Systems.
The Cell Broadcast Alert System is a state-of-the-art technology that allows critical and time-sensitive messages for disaster management to be sent to all mobile devices within a designated geographical area, irrespective of whether the recipients are residents or visitors. This ensures that important emergency information reaches as many people as possible in a timely manner. The system is used by government agencies and emergency services to inform the public about potential threats and keep them informed during critical situations. Cell Broadcast is commonly used to deliver emergency alerts, such as severe weather warnings (e.g., Tsunami, Flash Flood, Earthquake, etc.), public safety messages, evacuation notices, and other critical information.
During the testing period i.e., on 29.08.2023 (Tuesday), people of Gujarat State in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Daman, Surat Rajkot, Kutch, Vadodara & its nearby areas received simulated emergency alerts on their mobile devices. To make aware the citizens that these alerts were part of the planned testing process and do not indicate an actual emergency, Gujarat LSA made wide publicity in advance, through social media platforms, press briefs in English and Gujarati.
