Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi M. Vijay Balaji on Saturday said that setting up of a government fruit pulp factory for mango growers in the region, improvement of civic amenities within Vellore Corporation limits, restoration of Palar River and easing traffic congestion remains priorities identified by the State government in the region.

Accompanied by Collector P.S. Leela Alex and Katpadi MLA M. Sudhakar, Mr. Balaji told reporters on the sidelines of a review meeting on development works held at the Collectorate here that farming areas like Gudiyatham, K.V. Kuppam, and Pernambut are known for cultivation of mangoes for generations.

Traditionally, mango growers in the region sell their produce to fruit pulp manufacturers based in Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. “Efforts will be taken to set up a fruit pulp for mango cultivators in the region. Also, guava and brinjal in Anaicut area are very popular and these farm products will be commercially promoted,” he said.

The Minister said that traffic congestion, especially in urban areas like Vellore and Katpadi, remains a major challenge. Along with traffic congestion, civic amenities like bitumen roads, regular water supply, modern solid waste management and recreational spots like parks and playgrounds will be given priority. “Under Smart Cities Mission work, the ongoing ₹1,000 crore-underground sewage project is in its final stages of completion. The civil work under the project will be completed by July,” he said.

Earlier, Mr. Balaji reviewed ongoing developmental works in the district at the Collectorate. The Minister highlighted the need to improve school education as the district ranks at the bottom in terms of total pass percentage in Class X and XII for the past few years. He also emphasized better health care facilities at tribal areas and remote villages in the district.

During his day-long inspection, the Minister visited a mini textile park in Gudiyatham and interacted with weavers in the region. “Procurement of dhotis and sarIs to beneficiaries for Pongal will be done mostly from local weavers through Cooperatives in the State. The distribution of dhotis and saris will be done on time to avoid any delay,” he said.

The Minister also inspected Government Pentland Multi Speciality Hospital in Vellore town.