States have greater role to play in ensuring water reserves: PM

New Delhi, Oct 14 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the Centre was willing to use its good office to resolve the inter-state water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Talking to newspersons onboard Air India One on his way back from a six-day visit to the UK and Finland, the Prime Minister said states had a greater role to play in ensuring that water reserves of the country were used in a wider national interest.

''But there is no mechanical way by which all disputes, which are lying unresolved for the last 50-60 years, can be solved overnight.

We will continue to use our good offices.

''I cannot lay down a specific timeframe that it can be solved by such and such date,'' he added.

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