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

Vijay Balaji inspects a mini textile park in Gudiyatham town in Vellore on Saturday.

| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

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.