Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 24, 2026 (BSS) - Residents of Ishwaripur village in Deopara Union of Rajshahi's Godagari Upazila have become fed up with the stench and fly infestation from a layer chicken farm. 

Locals allege that chicken droppings have been left piled up inside the farm for a long time and no odor-control substances are being used, leading to environmental pollution and disruption of daily life. 

An investigation by the administration also found the complaints to be true. The villagers have expressed anger that no visible action has been taken so far although the investigation report was sent to the Department of Environment. 

During a recent visit to the farm area, it was seen that several weeks' chicken droppings had accumulated inside. 

Countless flies were swarming the area. The stench has spread to nearby homes. Residents said the fly infestation has made it difficult to store food at home or even eat normally. 

According to locals, about 642 people from 120 families live in Ishwaripur village. For the past three months, the stench and fly problem from a farm owned by a man named Swapon has become severe. Children, the elderly, and the sick are suffering the most. 

Village resident Rohena Begum said, "I can't keep cooked food. As soon as I serve food, flies land on the rice and curry. I can't feed my family members properly. Flies have made life miserable." 

She said that when the farm used to raise Sonali chickens, the fly problem was not like this. Now it's become difficult to stay home with children. If they don't get a quick remedy, they will seek help from the court, she added. 

Lippi Khatun, a housewife who recently gave birth to child through surgery, said, "Flies sit on my newborn's body and face. I keep the mosquito net up all the time. Whenever food is kept in the house, flies swarm it. I'm constantly worried about my baby." 

Local resident Sirajul Islam said, "Because of the flies, relatives don't want to visit us. When I serve my son-in-law food, flies land on it. Out of disgust and discomfort, he doesn't come to my house anymore." 

He said, "Normal cooking and eating for villagers is on the verge of stopping. Sometimes flies even go into our mouths with the food."
 
Villagers said they have submitted multiple written and verbal complaints to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), and the Department of Environment seeking remedy. 

Following the complaints, representatives from the Department of Environment, Department of Livestock, and the Land Office visited the area, but no effective measures have been taken yet. 

The Godagari Upazila administration's investigation report also confirmed the allegations.

The report said that the stench from chicken waste generated at the farm is spreading throughout the village and polluting the environment. 

This is disrupting people's normal lives and making it difficult to feed livestock. 

The report further noted that the environment is being polluted because odor-control substances are not being used at the farm. 

Although the waste produced during chick and egg production is kept in a designated place, it needs to be regularly monitored whether government-approved chemicals are being used to protect the environment. 

It also recommended verifying whether the farm's operations are adversely affecting local life and taking legal action accordingly. 

After the investigation, the report was sent to the Rajshahi office of the Department of Environment for necessary action. 

Tasmina Khatun, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment's Rajshahi office, said, "We have received the investigation report from the Godagari Upazila administration."

She said waste management at the farm, odor control, and environmental clearance issues have been examined. 

Evidence of violations of environmental conservation laws and regulations was found. Necessary legal action will be taken against the farm owner within this week, she added. 

Meanwhile, local residents have demanded the quick removal of farm waste, control of flies and odor, and regular monitoring. They fear that otherwise, diseases could spread in the area and lead to a major public health crisis.