Integrated Alert System (SACHET)

At the ongoing G20 Ministerial Meeting in Durban, India highlighted its disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts, with a key focus on SACHET, India's Integrated Alert System. The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister emphasized India’s multi-agency approach integrating various meteorological, hydrological, seismic, and oceanographic institutions through a Common Alert Protocol (CAP)-compliant system.

About Integrated Alert System (SACHET)

1. Overview:

   • SACHET is a disaster early warning system developed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to deliver real-time geo-targeted alerts to citizens in case of natural disasters.

   • It was created by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), which is the R&D arm of the Department of Telecom.

2. Common Alert Protocol (CAP):

   • The system is based on CAP, an international standard for emergency alerts recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). CAP helps streamline alerting systems across various platforms and stakeholders.

3. Multi-Technology Integration:

   • SACHET uses a wide array of technologies to ensure alerts are disseminated effectively. These technologies include:

     • SMS

     • Cell Broadcast

     • Mobile Apps

     • TV & Radio Broadcasts

     • Social Media

     • RSS Feeds

     • Browser Notifications

     • Satellite-based Alerts

4. Geo-Targeted Alerts:

   • The platform provides geo-targeted alerts, meaning that people in specific areas can receive alerts that directly affect their location. Users can opt to receive alerts based on their current location or subscribe to alerts from any state or district across India.

5. SACHET Mobile App:

   • The SACHET app is a key component of the system, allowing users to receive:

     • Disaster warnings from authorized government authorities.

     • Weather forecasts and real-time updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

     • Alerts related to emergency situations like floods, earthquakes, or severe weather.

6. State and Union Territory Coverage:

   • The system is fully operational across all states and union territories of India, ensuring that no region is left without access to timely alerts.

   • Alerts are targeted specifically to regions based on disaster type and severity, offering critical information to citizens in need.

Key Features of SACHET:

• Timely Disaster Alerts: Citizens receive alerts as soon as a potential disaster is detected, including storms, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters.

• Inclusive Communication: The system ensures that information is accessible to all, even in remote areas, through multiple communication channels.

• Empowering Citizens: By allowing users to receive alerts for their specific areas, the platform empowers citizens to take appropriate actions for their safety.

• Collaboration Across Agencies: The system integrates data and efforts from multiple institutions and stakeholders, ensuring a well-coordinated response in case of disasters.

Implications for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR):

1. Enhanced Early Warning Capability:

   • By using real-time, geo-targeted alerts, the system improves disaster preparedness and response times, reducing casualties and damages during natural calamities.

2. Multi-Agency Coordination:

   • The integration of various agencies (meteorological, hydrological, seismic, etc.) ensures that accurate, cross-sector information is available for timely alerts and interventions.

3. Increased Public Awareness:

   • By providing regular weather updates, warnings, and emergency alerts, SACHET helps build a well-informed and resilient population capable of responding to disasters effectively.

4. Global Standards Compliance:

   • Adhering to CAP and other international protocols ensures that India’s disaster warning system is compatible with global systems, improving interoperability in cross-border disaster management.