India, Aug. 12 -- LUCKNOW A severe fly menace in Hardoi's Atrauli area has sparked weeks of protests and two FIRs against villagers, with residents of around 15 villages alleging that waste from a poultry farm has made their lives miserable and created a potential public health risk.

The controversy centres around a 2.5-acre poultry farm located around 800 metres from Hayatganj-Hannkheda village in Atrauli police station limits, about 65 km from Hardoi district headquarters. The farm has been operating there for around two years, according to district magistrate Anunaya Jha.

Residents allege that poultry waste is fuelling the infestation, with flies entering homes and settling on food and utensils. "We have to take meals inside mosquito...