aipur, June 9 -- J The Rajasthan government is developing a modern pressure-based irrigation network under the Rs.2,500-crore Upper High Level Canal Project in Banswara district, which will provide year-round irrigation to nearly 42,000 hectares of farmland across 338 villages. The project, featuring a 102-km main canal, 22.5 km of tunnels and a 5,000-km underground pipeline network, is expected to benefit around 0.35 million people and significantly boost agricultural productivity in the tribal-dominated Vagad region. Water resources minister Suresh Singh Rawat said with an estimated cost of around Rs.2,500 crore, the project will provide irrigation water through a lift irrigation system to nearly 42,000 hectares of agricultural land spread across 338 villages in six tehsils-Banswara, Bagidora, Kushalgarh, Sajjangarh, Anandpuri and Gangadtalai. The project covers three assembly constituencies-Banswara, Bagidora and Kushalgarh-and is expected to directly and indirectly benefit nearly 0.35 million people. The project incorporates modern engineering technologies for the construction of a vast canal network and associated infrastructure. The main canal will stretch over 102 kilometres, making it one of the most significant irrigation networks in the region. Of this, 22.5 kilometres will consist of tunnels and cut-and-cover structures. The project also includes aqueducts and siphons to carry water across rivers and difficult terrain. In addition, nearly 230 key canal structures such as super passages, drainage siphons, road bridges, escape-cum-cross regulators and head regulators are being built as part of the network. He said the engineering design has been tailored to the hilly and geographically challenging terrain of the tribal belt to ensure efficient and uninterrupted water delivery. A key highlight of the project is the development of a state-of-the-art pressure-based command area system, which will ensure scientific and controlled irrigation right up to farm level through an automated SCADA network. Under the plan, around 200 water storage ponds, locally known as diggis, will be constructed at the "chak level," each covering about 200 hectares of command area. Water from the main canal system will be delivered to these diggis through MS and DI pipelines. From these storage structures, an extensive underground HDPE pipeline network of approximately 5,000 kilometres will be laid. This pressurised irrigation network will carry water directly to farms, reducing transmission losses and ensuring equitable water distribution. The system will also feature hydrant points at intervals covering approximately 1.25 to 1.50 hectares. Farmers will be able to access irrigation water directly through these hydrants connected to underground pipelines, eliminating the need for conventional field channels. The pressure-based system will significantly reduce water wastage, improve irrigation efficiency and enable a larger area to be irrigated with comparatively less water. It will also support modern micro-irrigation techniques and ensure a reliable year-round water supply for farmers. Construction work is currently underway on nearly 42 kilometres of the canal network. The intake structure and sluice barrel works are almost complete. Work on tunnels, aqueducts, siphons and cut-and-cover sections is progressing simultaneously. Construction of the underground pipeline network connecting canals to the proposed diggis is also continuing at multiple locations. Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat said the Upper High Level Canal Project is expected to become one of the most important irrigation schemes for Banswara district in the coming years. Once completed, farmers will receive irrigation water throughout the year, leading to higher agricultural productivity and expansion in the cultivation of maize, wheat, pulses, oilseeds and horticultural crops. The minister said the project would also contribute to groundwater recharge, water conservation and overall rural development. He added that the project is expected to play a crucial role in the social and economic upliftment of the tribal-majority Vagad region and could become a milestone in transforming the area's agricultural landscape....