Fruit pulp factory, civic amenities, new industries are priorities for Vellore: Minister

Tamil Nadu Minister M. Vijay Balaji inspects the mini textile park at Gudiyatham in Vellore on Saturday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi Minister M. Vijay Balaji on Saturday said setting up of a government fruit pulp factory for mango farmers in the region, improving civic amenities within the Vellore Corporation limits, rehabilitating the Palar River and easing traffic congestion remain priorities set by the state government in the region.

Accompanied by Collector PS 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 agricultural areas like Gudiyatham, KV Kuppam and Pernambut have been known for mango cultivation for generations.

Mango growers in the region have traditionally sold their produce to pulp producers based in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. “Efforts will be made to create fruit pulp for mango farmers in the region. Guava and brinjal in Anaicut area are also very popular and these farm products will be promoted commercially,” he said.

The minister said traffic congestion, especially in urban areas like Vellore and Katpadi, remained a major problem. Along with traffic jams, civic amenities such as bituminous roads, regular water supply, modern solid waste management and recreational areas such as parks and playgrounds will be prioritized. “Under the work of Smart Cities Mission, the ongoing ₹1,000 crore underground sewerage project is in the final stage of completion. The construction work under the project will be completed by July,” he said.

Earlier, Mr. Balaji reviewed the ongoing development works in the district at the Collectorate. The minister emphasized the need to improve school education as the district has been ranked lowest in terms of overall pass percentage in classes X and XII for the last few years. He also emphasized on better health facilities in tribal areas and remote villages in the district.

During his day-long inspection, the minister visited a mini textile park at Gudiyatham and interacted with weavers in the region. “Procurement of dhotis and sarees to beneficiaries for Pongal will be mostly from local weavers through cooperatives in the state. Distribution of dhotis and sarees will be done on time to avoid any delay,” he said.

The minister also inspected the government Pentland Multi Specialty Hospital in Vellore city.

Published – 13 Jun 2026 23:50 IST