Thu Jul 03 14:41:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Residents near the Calicut International Airport (Karipur) are protesting the alleged misuse of the airport’s Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) funds. The United Democratic Front (UDF) is leading the protest, claiming that funds intended for local environmental and infrastructure projects have been diverted to a senior citizen model village in Dharmadom, the constituency of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This allocation is seen as a violation of CSR guidelines, as Dharmadom is well outside the 25km radius stipulated for environmental project funding. Local officials and opposition leaders are demanding the funds be redirected to address pressing issues like flooding and infrastructure needs in the communities surrounding the airport.

**News Article:**

**Karipur Residents Protest Alleged Misuse of Airport Funds**

**MALAPPURAM, July 3, 2025** – Residents of panchayats surrounding the Calicut International Airport (Karipur) are planning a protest march to the Collectorate this Saturday, July 5th, over the alleged misuse of the airport’s Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) funds. The United Democratic Front (UDF) is spearheading the demonstration, accusing authorities of diverting funds earmarked for local environmental projects to a senior citizen model village in Dharmadom, Kannur district, the constituency of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The controversy centers on the allocation of ₹9 crore from the airport’s ₹10 crore CSR fund to the Dharmadom project. Local officials from Kondotty municipality and Pallikkal grama panchayat argue that this move violates CSR guidelines, which require 80% of funds to be spent on environmental projects within a 25-kilometer radius of the airport. Dharmadom is located 106 kilometers away.

Concerns have been raised about critical local projects that have been sidelined. These include a ₹3.5 crore stormwater drainage system proposed to alleviate flooding issues in Ayanikad and a ₹1.27-crore infrastructure development project at GMLP School, Karipur – both of which had received prior approval.

“We urge the authorities to reverse this unjust decision and allocate the CSR fund to eco-friendly projects that benefit local communities affected by the airport’s issues,” stated Kondotty municipal councillor P.K. Firos.

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLAs T.V. Ibrahim and P. Abdul Hameed, along with District Congress Committee president V.S. Joy, are expected to address the protesters on Saturday, further amplifying the call for a re-evaluation of the CER fund allocation. The protest highlights growing discontent over perceived political favoritism and the neglect of crucial environmental needs in the vicinity of the airport.

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