State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Friday said the government plans to restore Tangail's DC Lake and develop it into a mini tourist destination to enhance the town's recreational facilities.

He made the remarks after inaugurating a cleanup drive to remove water hyacinths and accumulated waste from the lake as part of efforts to restore its environmental health.

Describing DC Lake as both a recreational facility and an important environmental asset for Tangail, the state minister said preserving its cleanliness and natural beauty requires collective efforts.

"The entire lake will be cleaned in phases," he said.

Tuku said the government also plans to develop the adjoining char area into a major tourist attraction and is taking the necessary steps to implement the project.

He added that fish would be cultivated in the lake, allowing local residents to benefit economically while ensuring better utilisation of the water body.

"Once the lake is restored and made fully usable, the people of Tangail will have a modern recreational facility," he said.

Recalling his election pledge, the state minister said he had promised to establish a modern tourist destination in Tangail and that work towards achieving the goal had already begun.

Earlier, Tuku inspected different parts of the lake before inaugurating the drive to clear long-accumulated water hyacinths and waste.

He later joined the cleanup operation and instructed the authorities concerned to continue regular maintenance and cleanliness activities to preserve the lake.

Leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies, members of local voluntary organisations, local residents and administrative officials took part in the programme.