Literature and documentation review

The project feasibility reports formed important sources of information for understanding project profile and activities. The Project Techno-Economic Feasibility Report (Holtec Consulting Pvt. Ltd. 1996) and the Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment Report (National Council for Cement and Building Materials 2002) provided details about the area included under the mining lease, concrete mine plan and mining schedule and the technological options for mineral extraction. Similarly the above documentation sources also provided basic information about the site plan for setting up of the cement plant and associated infrastructure, production technology and the process details. To obtain spatial information of the area under question, topographical maps formed key sources providing the basic reference data for planning field studies. The relevant topographical sheets (Fig. 2) of the area were used for geo-referencing of the proposed project site and the surrounding Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition, other spatial plans (mine plan and site overlay of the proposed cement plant) provided by the project proponents were examined to perceive the details of project location and extent. Reports of site inspection committees and expert inputs were reviewed for better understanding of concerns related to the proposed project and their environmental implications particular for the wildlife conservation values of the area that includes Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary located in the vicinity of the proposed project (HPFD 2004a, MoE&F 2004a and b).