The Kerala High Court has lauded young rescuer R. Rajesh, who lost his life during flood rescue operations near Meenthully Island in Kannur, as a “true hero”.

The court remarked that the State should respond appropriately to the bereaved family’s loss.

The court also expressed appreciation for the Kochi Corporation’s cleaning staff and other stakeholders who are part of the District Collector’s Committee for their efforts to keep Kochi clean during the monsoon.

Justice Devan Ramachandran was considering a petition on measures to mitigate flood damage in Kochi following the onset of the monsoon. The court directed the District Collector to file a report on all the measures taken so far and the proposals that require consideration in this regard.

The Indian Railways informed the court that it would respond to the complaint regarding the need to repair railway culverts to facilitate thorough cleaning of the areas concerned in the city.

The Amicus Curiae reported that instances of flooding had been scarce despite the heavy showers witnessed in Kochi. Water had receded quickly even in the very low-lying areas that had been waterlogged, the Amicus stated.

Additionally, the Kochi Corporation informed the court that intensive cleaning work had been carried out before and during the monsoon, and could continue afterwards as well.

The court cautioned that the authorities concerned needed to keep their guard up throughout the season and ensure that remedial measures were undertaken without interruption.

Published - August 08, 2026 07:15 am IST