Sir,
In a groundbreaking development, residents of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are set to benefit from an innovative safety messaging system that incorporates warning sounds and auto-readout alerts to protect them during emergency situations.
This remarkable advancement is the result of successful trials of the Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS) conducted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The system stands out by employing distinct high-pitched audio alerts, distinguishing itself from conventional SMS tones, promising immense advantages for the general public.
The purpose of these high-pitched audio alerts is to swiftly capture the attention of individuals, enabling rapid responses to a range of emergencies, including earthquakes, flash floods, terrorist attacks, epidemics, and law enforcement issues.
The system’s features are designed to issue immediate warnings, thereby mitigating the risk to life and property. Technical enhancements ensure that disaster management messages are swiftly relayed to all mobile users, minimizing warning times.
Jammu and Kashmir’s License Service Area (LSA) has been selected as the testing ground for this large-scale cell broadcasting initiative, designed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency alert broadcasting across various mobile operators and cell broadcast systems.
DoT officials further emphasized that Cell Broadcast is widely used for delivering emergency alerts, including severe weather warnings, public safety messages, evacuation notices, and other vital information.
While the messaging system is currently in the testing phase and not yet operational anywhere in India, it is poised to be launched nationwide following the successful completion of trials, potentially under the auspices of the Prime Minister.
This initiative holds great promise in bolstering the safety and well-being of the people in the region.
Surjeet Singh
Jammu
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