Community participation and consultation are important for ensuring that mineral development in Manipur is socially responsible, equitable, environmentally sustainable, and all of the above.
- Socially responsible development means that the benefits of mineral development are shared equitably among all stakeholders, including the local community. This includes ensuring that the community has a say in how the minerals are developed and used, and that they receive a fair share of the profits.
- Equitable development means that the benefits of mineral development are shared fairly among all people, regardless of their social or economic status. This includes ensuring that the poor and marginalized are not excluded from the benefits of mineral development.
- Environmentally sustainable development means that the development of minerals does not damage the environment or harm the health of people living in the area. This includes ensuring that the mining companies take steps to protect the environment and the health of the people living in the area.
All of these factors are important for ensuring that mineral development in Manipur is done in a way that benefits everyone. Community participation and consultation are essential for ensuring that these factors are taken into account.
In addition to the above, community participation and consultation can also help to:
- Build trust and understanding between the community and the mining company. This can help to prevent conflict and ensure that the community is supportive of the mining project.
- Identify and address potential problems early on. This can help to avoid costly delays and disruptions to the mining project.
- Improve the design and implementation of the mining project. This can help to ensure that the project is more efficient and effective.
- Increase the benefits of the mining project for the community. This can include things like jobs, training, and infrastructure development.
Overall, community participation and consultation are essential for ensuring that mineral development in Manipur is done in a way that benefits everyone.