Congress leader A. K. Antony has said he had detailed discussions on the Mullaperiyar dam issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who assured him that efforts would be taken to arrive at a peaceful solution to the row.
Speaking to media persons at the nearby Karippur airport on Friday night, the Defence Minister said he had conveyed to Singh the anxiety of the people of Kerala on prolonging the dispute without finding an amicable solution.
The meeting of representatives of two states held to find out a solution to the issue did not succeed, he said, adding, all efforts would be continued though no solution was found in the first round of talks.
Antony had met Singh thrice on the issue seeking for a peaceful solution to the issue of dam, over which the state and Tamil Nadu are locked in a dispute.
Kerala Assembly had yesterday unanimously adopted a resolution insisting on a new dam in place of the 116-year old Mullaperiyar reservoir and lowering the water level to 120 feet in the existing structure.
The resolution moved by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy during the one-day special session of the assembly over the issue asked the Centre and state governments to take steps for building a new dam and reiterated the state's commitment to provide the same quantum of water to Tamil Nadu after its construction.
Meanwhile, talking to reporters in Kannur on Saturday, Antony said all efforts should be made to bring representatives of Kerala and Tamil Nadu for discussion to find an amicable solution to the issue.
The Centre can only hold discussions on the issue with the two states, Antony said, adding, only Supreme Court could give orders on the matter.
The Minister said the excellent relationship between Tamil Nadu and Kerala should not get vitiated over the dam issue.
Political parties and governments in Kerala and Tamil Nadu should give utmost attention to see that the issue does not lead to violence, he said.
He said attention should be given to the safety of Keralities living in Tamil Nadu and Tamils in Kerala.