this purpose, it is worthwhile to develop state-wise or basin-wise information
systems in which data at a higher level of precision can be incorporated and
exchanged across portals on a demand basis. A strategy to this effect is required to
be put in place. Already, some of the progressive states have developed
purpose-driven information systems, but the standardization of the data formats has
not yet been taken up as the purpose being making the information available in
intra-state context.
The information about water storage position in the country is a case in point
about the diverse formats being followed by different agencies. In case of Central
Water Commission, a Web-based data collection and presentation system has been
developed which works on daily inputs. In case of different states, the information
is updated frequently during monsoon periods, but the reporting is mostly manual
and is published in different forms ranging from pdf files to Web pages, and the
updation is not at regular intervals. Thus, it becomes difficult to integrate them. This
leads to assessment of storage positions across the country in a non-uniform manner
some parts of the country do not have adequate sized storage structures which can
be incorporated in the national level assessment exercises carried out by CWC.
Reservoir storage available at various points of time is a strong indicator of the
success rates agricultural production as well as indication of drought conditions and
possible drinking water shortages during summer months. It is, therefore, necessary
that a comprehensive assessment at a much finer resolution is available.
A key integration with the crop forecasting applications described above is
needed so as to find an estimate for water utilization from various projects. The
work is easily said than done as there are a number of conceptual and practical
constraints. However, in order to provide a comprehensive portal for water planning
and assessment, the information is particularly needed.
As discussed above, the important aspect of efficient data interchange between
the national level information systems and the state level information systems is the
standardization of the data formats and storage policies so that automation is feasible. It is necessary to establish a mechanism of discussion and standardization so
as to put the same into action. A standing conference and consulting mechanism
under the aegis of National Water Resources Informatics Center or Central Water
Commission is necessary for the purpose.
6 Role of Temporal and Spatial Variations and Data
Collection/Reporting Policies
As discussed in the para above, the water being important for all activities of life, its
usage is required to be assessed in all walks of life. In order to carry out the
planning and assessment exercises, it is necessary to fulfil the following important
sampling conditions, namely
Data Usage for Development, Management of Water Resources
149
systems in which data at a higher level of precision can be incorporated and
exchanged across portals on a demand basis. A strategy to this effect is required to
be put in place. Already, some of the progressive states have developed
purpose-driven information systems, but the standardization of the data formats has
not yet been taken up as the purpose being making the information available in
intra-state context.
The information about water storage position in the country is a case in point
about the diverse formats being followed by different agencies. In case of Central
Water Commission, a Web-based data collection and presentation system has been
developed which works on daily inputs. In case of different states, the information
is updated frequently during monsoon periods, but the reporting is mostly manual
and is published in different forms ranging from pdf files to Web pages, and the
updation is not at regular intervals. Thus, it becomes difficult to integrate them. This
leads to assessment of storage positions across the country in a non-uniform manner
some parts of the country do not have adequate sized storage structures which can
be incorporated in the national level assessment exercises carried out by CWC.
Reservoir storage available at various points of time is a strong indicator of the
success rates agricultural production as well as indication of drought conditions and
possible drinking water shortages during summer months. It is, therefore, necessary
that a comprehensive assessment at a much finer resolution is available.
A key integration with the crop forecasting applications described above is
needed so as to find an estimate for water utilization from various projects. The
work is easily said than done as there are a number of conceptual and practical
constraints. However, in order to provide a comprehensive portal for water planning
and assessment, the information is particularly needed.
As discussed above, the important aspect of efficient data interchange between
the national level information systems and the state level information systems is the
standardization of the data formats and storage policies so that automation is feasible. It is necessary to establish a mechanism of discussion and standardization so
as to put the same into action. A standing conference and consulting mechanism
under the aegis of National Water Resources Informatics Center or Central Water
Commission is necessary for the purpose.
6 Role of Temporal and Spatial Variations and Data
Collection/Reporting Policies
As discussed in the para above, the water being important for all activities of life, its
usage is required to be assessed in all walks of life. In order to carry out the
planning and assessment exercises, it is necessary to fulfil the following important
sampling conditions, namely
Data Usage for Development, Management of Water Resources
149