Meghauli VDC, heavily populated by tribal communities is situated in buffer zone of Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) in Chitwan. Kumal tribal communities residing on river banks for many generations have been exposed to vulnerability and threats of water induced disaster in Narayani and Rapti rivers. A disastrous flood on July 23 and 24, 2002 took away their fertile lands and housing. Kumals engaged in indigenous agricultural practices faced serious livelihood crisis. It is important to note that their customary rights such as fishing, collection of firewood and wild vegetables from the forest had been restricted with the formation of RCNP. Erosion of land by rivers that flows between human settlements and RCNP has been a continuous phenomenon for many years. Mass displacement in 2002, triggered a sustained campaign of flood victims Kumals for security of housing and livelihood.

The homeless and landless Kumals were forced to take refuge in schools, public and government lands. August 1, 2002 displaced Kumals formed 'Flood Victims' Struggle Committee' (FVSC) demanding for secured temporary shelter. Under the leadership of FVSC, Kumals launched a struggle which was facilitated by CDO. As a result of collective pressure they managed to receive temporary shelter on August 27, 2002. This drew attention of local media and journalists who were later involved advocating their cause through. The struggle for permanent housing and just compensation for the loss of productive land began vigorously. FVSC began fresh protests and pressure tactics. They submitted appeals and memorandum, organized delegations, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, dialogues, mass meetings in order to pressurize and influence various actors such as local buffer zone user's committee, VDC, buffer zone management council of RCNP, DDC as well as local politicians.

Displaced Kumals due to flood on July 30 and 31, 2003 also joined the ongoing movement. Desperate and agitated, Kumals even locked office of buffer zone users' committee. Local activists also faced challenges and threats from land mafias. After persistent pressure and organized struggle, on March 3, 2004, for the first time, the Buffer Zone Management Council was forced to issue a notice about compensation and later on May 30, 2004. Disaster affected communities continued to agitate since the decisions made were unjust and inadequate. The struggle was intensified and focused on just compensation. In spite of decision with additional value of land on 27 Sep, 2004, local resistance continued towards pressurizing authorities for speedy implementation of decision. Very recently only at the end of 2005, a clear legal notice regarding distribution of compensation was issued.

The National Park and Wild Life Conservation Act, 2029 B.S has a provision of compensation for flood victims in buffer zone. However, non violent collective struggle of Kumals brought this provision in existing policy into public debates, made an impact challenges and realization in its actual practice.

The National Park and Wild Life Conservation Act, 2029 B.S has a provision of compensation for flood victims in buffer zone. However, non violent collective struggle of Kumals brought this provision in existing policy into public debates, made an impact challenges and realization in its actual practice.