Dr. M. Kamarudeen, 48, Reader in Botany at the University of Kerala, passed away on Wednesday. Mr. Kamarudeen had been in the forefront of the struggle launched by the people of Peringamala against the waste treatment plant proposed in their locality. Earlier, he had worked at the Iqbal College and also the JNTBGRI. Mr. Kamarudeen, a resident of Peringamala, leaves behind wife Adila and three children. The funeral will be held at the Puthenpalli Jama Masjid, Peringamala, at 11 a.m. on Thursday.