The project area is covered by Survey of India topographic sheet no. 53A/14 and 53A/15. The site extends from latitude N 30o29’00” - N 31o31’52” and longitude E 76o53’26” - E 76o55’36”. The cement plant is proposed to be located at Chambi, at a distance of about four kilometers from Sundernagar town in District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The mining lease for limestone covers an area of 726 ha situated between Tarambri DPF to the north and Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary to the south (Fig. 2).

The project area forms a part of the Bahl valley, encircled by mountain chains. The vast sub surface alluvial plains is dissected by Suketi River, originating from southern part of the valley and flowing in the northern direction to join Beas River at Mandi. The two main natural drains in the vicinity of the proposed project area are Gangli Khad and Alsed Khad. Gangli khad is located to the south of the proposed plant area, flowing from south to the north, encircles the plain land around the proposed plant area and crosses the national highway to Manali at the outskirts of Sundernagar town to the south-east. The Gangli Khad later joins Beas River near Mandi town in the north of the area. Alsed Khad is located to the south of the project area, near Jarol, south of Sundernagar. This stream flows southwards along the national highway and later meets Satluj River near village Salapad.

The climate of the area shows distinct seasonal changes from summer to winter. The maximum temperature rises up to 39.0o C during summer and the minimum temperature falls down to 3.0o C in the month of January with relative humidity ranging between 54% to 100% and averaging at 77%. The annual rainfall is observed to be approximately 1505 mm. The wind pattern in the area is light to moderate through the year.