Call Before u Dig (CBuD) App

23-03-2023

1 min read

Prelims: Current Affairs & Events

Overview:

Recently, the Prime Minister of India during the inauguration of the new International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area office and Innovation Centre launched the ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) app, to facilitate coordination between excavation agencies.

About Call Before u Dig (CBuD) app:

Aim: To prevent damage to underlying assets like optical fibre cables that occurs because of uncoordinated digging and excavation, leading to losses of about Rs 3,000 crore every year.

How does the app work?

The CBuD app will connect excavators and asset owners through SMS/Email notifications and click-to-call so that there are planned excavations in the country while ensuring the safety of underground assets.
It aims to give excavating companies a point of contact, where they can inquire about existing subsurface utilities before starting excavation work.
Utility owners can also find out about impending work at the location.
It is an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
It will save potential business loss and minimise discomfort to the citizens due to reduced disruption in essential services like road, telecom, water, gas and electricity.

Q1) What is optical fibre cable?

An optical fibre is a flexible and transparent fibre made by drawing glass (silica) or plastic to a diameter slightly thicker than that of human hair. The significance of optical fibers lies in the fact that they are able to transmit data signals over large distances and with high.

Source: What is the ‘Call Before u Dig’ application launched by PM Modi?