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6. Enhance internet penetration and access: At this
stage, the use of Portals may be limited by the low internet penetration in the
country, where less than 5% of population has access to internet. To address
this challenge it is essential that the portal team should work proactively with
NGO and Government networks, use mass distributions channels like radio,
television and the print media to ensure this knowledge is leveraged to
precipitate change on the ground. There needs to be a firm commitment to
support alternate non-web outreach methods that make this knowledge accessible
to all sections of society (the digital haves and havenots). An alternate IT
technology can support those who do not have internet access. This calls for a
locally resident tool that is run on a desktop PC which can provide information
and run applications pertaining to specific topics. Since these applications
are not relying on the internet or storing information at a distant server,
they can be used locally at the site without network connectivity. Subsequently,
it would be useful to be able to connect to a server to upload local data or
download updates and information. These software thick client applications can
be the source of bottom- up data, since NGOs and individuals can upload local
data over the internet for analysis at a central server. This provides an
alternative bottom- up way of collecting fine grained local data in a
continuous manner. The portal will thus address the needs of a very diverse
spectrum of users from researchers and policy makers to local practitioners at
the ground level who stand to benefit greatly from the comprehensive
availability of information on a sector relevant for them in an open and
transparent manner.
7. Translate into Indian languages: The portals
should be translated into all Indian languages to reach a wider audience.
Interactive applications and e-learning content must be made available in local
languages for it to be relevant.
Based on these broad guidelines the following Portals
have been initiated by various organizations supported by the NKC:
- India Water Portal is being developed by Arghyam Trust, a public
charitable trust. Initiated in January 2006, the portal will be launched on the
12th of January 2007.
The portal seeks to create an open platform for sharing
information and knowledge about the Water sector. The primary objectives of the
portal are:
- Increase awareness and demystify various aspects of
water management for general public.
- Share successful techniques and experiences amongst
serious practitioners
- Provide a platform for information flows between
multiple stakeholders.
Important features of the portal include:
1. Domain Wikipedia/ Waterpedia- Based on the
Wikipedia (the user-driven free encyclopaedia), the Waterpedia is an online
encyclopaedia for the water sector. The Waterpedia includes a comprehensive
taxonomy covering diverse aspects of the Water sector as well as relevant
sections on agriculture, ecosystems, policies and technologies. 2. Best
Practises/Case Studies- This section is a repository of techniques and practices
specific to the domain, in the IWP, users can contribute a proven water
management practice or case-study in one of several categories, like
Agriculture, Water Quality, Sanitation.
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