K.K. Somasundara Panicker, 82, former mayor, known for his populist approach, passed away here on Sunday.
Mr. Panicker, a nominee of the CPI (M), had served as the Mayor for seven years in two terms. His first stint was for two years starting in June, 1992 . Later, he served a full five-year term from 1995.
Remembering the contributions of Mr. Panicker, his fellow councillor and CPI(M) leader C.K. Manisankar said the doors of the office of the Kochi Mayor had been thrown open to people during his tenure.
He was informal in his approach. Any one could walk into the mayor’s office to meet him to raise their concerns. It was during his term as the Kochi mayor that the civic authorities initiated the purchase of land at Brahmapuram and Cheranalloor for solid waste management, Mr. Manisankar recalled.
Mr. Panicker was also instrumental in procuring land for the development of the Sahodaran Ayyappan Road, he said.
The former mayor is survived by his wife Thankam and children, Manoj and Vinod. His funeral will be held at Edappally crematorium at 10 a.m. on Monday.