The 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting, held on August 20, 2026, saw leaders call for significant policy shifts and increased fiscal autonomy for southern states. Key demands included protecting the region's political representation during the upcoming delimitation process and granting states greater financial expenditure authority. Participants also urged for a coordinated interstate framework to combat the drug trade and emphasized the need for new strategic planning to boost the maritime economy.
Water management and education were central to the discussions. Leaders insisted on raising the Mullaperiyar Dam water level to 152 feet and demanded strict adherence to Supreme Court rulings and Cauvery Management Authority directives regarding river water disputes. Furthermore, Tamil Nadu reiterated its request for an exemption from the NEET examination and sought permission to conduct medical admissions based on Class 12 marks for state-quota seats.
Infrastructure and regulatory issues were also addressed, with calls to extend the Bengaluru Metro line to Hosur and to implement stricter regulations on the online sale of medicines. The council underscored the necessity of following judicial mandates to resolve ongoing interstate water conflicts.
