Ministry launches 6 mln-lira cleaning project for Lake Uzungöl

TRABZON – Anadolu Agency

HÜRRİYET photo

Authorities have allocated 6 million Turkish Liras to clean up Lake Uzungöl, a major tourist attraction in the eastern Black Sea region in Trabzon, the Forestry and Water Affairs Ministry announced April 14. 

Efforts to remove mud and sediment from the lake so as to increase tourism have started.

“We have started efforts aimed at our world-famous Uzungöl. We need to preserve the heritage that was left to us in the best way,” Labor and Social Security Minister Süleyman Soylu said April 14, adding that there was a significant potential for tourism in the region. 

“At this point, a sample from the mud in the lake was taken for examination. The mud and weeds will be cleared in accordance with the results of the samples taken and the unpleasant sight will be eliminated in this fashion. We are planning to finish our efforts this year,” the minister said.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Soylu said the steps they undertake will bring the lake into the future. 

“We held a meeting on tourism in Uzungöl last week. These places are the legacy of history, nature and civilization for us, and we will carry this legacy forward via the steps we take,” Soylu said.

Uzungöl has a depth of six meters in the center and around a meter closer to the shore.