JAMMU : ‘New safety messaging’ with ‘warning noises’ and ‘auto-readout alerts’ would soon be available to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, an official said. The function is the result of a recent Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS) experiment that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) successfully completed. “The tests were performed. These tests led to the development of an original alert system that sets itself apart from conventional SMS tones. Instead of the standard SMS tone, it features a unique tone. The audio is loud, according to Vijay Kumar Surendra, Additional Director General (ADG) Telecom, Jammu & Kashmir. Rapid reactions to disasters like earthquakes, flash floods, terrorist attacks, epidemics, and law and order problems are made possible by the high-pitched audio notifications, according to Surendra.The ADG stressed that the purpose of these features is to immediately issue alerts in order to prevent loss of life and property. According to him, “technical capabilities have been improved, so that the message of disaster management is immediately delivered to all mobile users in one go, thereby minimising the warning time.” This extensive cell broadcasting programme is being tested in the Licence Service Area (LSA) of Jammu and Kashmir to determine the efficacy and efficiency of emergency alert broadcasting across different mobile carriers and cell broadcast platforms. These tests are being run by the LSA. The messaging has the unique ability to pinpoint a location. All mobile subscribers in that region will receive the message.The warning will notify them of any potential risks, according to the ADG. With the use of cutting-edge technology, the CBAS, all mobile devices within a given geographic area can get important and urgent crisis management information, regardless of whether the users are locals or guests. According to DoT officials, the strategy ensures that critical emergency information quickly reaches as many people as possible, making it invaluable for government organisations and emergency services. “Cell Broadcast is widely used for delivering emergency alerts, including severe weather warnings, public safety messages, evacuation notices, and other vital information,” they continued.Senior DoT officer Arun Aggrawal emphasised the need for novel approaches to address India’s flood vulnerability and emphasised how cell broadcasting has the potential to save lives and lessen the effects of a disaster. The texting system is currently being tested, according to officials, and is not now in use anyplace in India. According to them, BSNL conducted the service’s first testing in the Jammu and Kashmir circle. The primary service provider in the area, BSNL, claims that mobile users would not be charged for the service, which is entirely managed by the disaster management system and service providers. A K Tripathi, a DoT official, stated that the service will likely be introduced by the Prime Minister following the conclusion of trials and testing across the nation.
