Alappuzha: Wikipedia will soon be enriched with a lot of data on the backwaters of Kerala.
A group of youngsters and students will undertake a backwater cruise named ‘WikiJalayatra’ in Vembanadu lake on December 23 to closely study the many attractions of backwaters.
It is organised as part of ‘Wikisangamotsavam,’ an annual conference of Malayalam Wikimedians, which will begin here on December 21.
T.K. Sujith, convener of the event, said, “as of now, the Wikipedia has very little information on the backwaters of Kerala.
Of late, it has set apart a slot exclusively for wetland-related articles.
Therefore, the tour could help improve the quality and quantity of articles related to the backwaters in Alappuzha, the Venice of the East.
The pictures taken by the volunteers during the cruise will be uploaded on ‘Wikimedia Commons,’ a space for pictures,” he said.
“The tour will be conducted by about 250 volunteers, including 100 students from across the country. The participants will talk to the local folks to get a sense of the habitats,” he added.
“It’s planned as a model initiative,” he said.
Wikisangamotsavam will be held at Radha convention centre here from December 21 to 23.
Wikimedians from 14 language Wikipedias are expected to attend the programme.
