KOTTAYAM: Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said that though the Kerala Government favours an amicable settlement to the vexed Mullaperiyar issue through dialogue with Tamil Nadu, it will not go back on its responsibility of ensuring the security of the structure and safeguarding the interests of the people.

Speaking to journalists after visiting the dam on Saturday, Mr. Balakrishnan said the prevailing situation in the State on the water front was much different from what existed a century ago and that was why strong sentiments were being expressed from many quarters for a new agreement for the dam. The State was facing acute drinking water shortage every year now.

The Minister said he would take steps to provide better infrastructure for the police personnel posted at the dam site. The security system at the site was strengthened recently by increasing the number of policemen to 30, including an assistant sub-inspector. However, they were forced to stay in a dilapidated two-room facility provided by Tamil Nadu. The Cabinet would take a decision on providing the security personnel with a boat for better movement on the lake.

He said the Government had taken note of a notice board put up by the Tamil Nadu authorities, which had been dubbed as an infringement on the rights of Kerala over its property. The issue would be looked into and if necessary, steps would be taken to remove it, he said.

The Minister, who set out to the dam from Thekkady at 6 a.m., was accompanied by Cherian Philip, Chairman, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, and senior officials from the Police, Tourism, Water Resources and Forest departments.

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