SURKHET, March 26 -- The raging flood in the Bheri River in 2014 killed 10 people and inundated dozens of homes. A large part of arable land was inundated.

Around 50 households which were rendered homeless by the flood started living a miserable life in Girighat along the Karnali Highway. While they are still struggling for their existence, various crusher operators have been enjoying a monopoly in their original land.

Thapadera falls under Chure area. It has been two years since a crusher plant has been operating on the banks of the Bheri River here. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Development of Karnali Province, Khadka Bahadur Khatri, is the proprietor of the plant, which has been operating "against the law".

Locals have re...