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Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering

The Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering is dedicated to the study, design, and management of systems related to water resources and hydraulic structures. It focuses on developing sustainable solutions for the efficient utilisation, distribution, and conservation of water, which is one of the most vital natural resources. The department covers key areas such as hydrology, hydraulics, irrigation and drainage, flood control, watershed management, and hydraulic infrastructure development including dams, canals, and water supply systems.  By integrating modern engineering techniques with environmental considerations, the department equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address water-related challenges such as scarcity, pollution, and climate change impacts.

Programs from the Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering

PhD program in Natural Resources Engineering and Management   

Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering is a study field that deals with collecting and distributing water where and when it’s needed, while protecting the population, industry, environment, infrastructure from harmful excessive water. That means, Hydraulic and water resources engineering activities are related to water supply and wastewater (sewer) systems, irrigation and drainage systems, river training and flood protection works, dams and reservoirs for hydro-power generation, water supply and irrigation purposes. Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering also deals with harbors and ports, as well as river and canal navigation systems.

Undergraduate studies offer a series of basic and applied courses in the area of Hydraulic, Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (fluid mechanics, hydraulics, hydrology, ground waters, hydro-informatics, water supply and wastewater systems, irrigation and drainage, river hydraulics, sedimentation, river-training works, flood protection, wastewater treatment etc.). The program also offers a broad general civil engineering education, which includes elements of geo-mechanical engineering, structural engineering, construction engineering, materials engineering, transportation engineering, geodesic surveying, and geology. The time duration to complete for regular BSc Degree in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering is five years with ten semesters.

Master of Hydraulics Engineering

Master of Hydraulics Engineering, Currently the department also offers a postgraduate program in Hydraulic Engineering. With the experience of five years in offering the under-graduate program and viewing the current demand in the field of Hydraulic Engineering due to increased demand for manpower in this field of study, the department has started a Master's Degree program in Hydraulic Engineering.

Primarily, the department would like to address the current necessity of specialised engineers for the field of practice and research, senior managers, and leaders in the field of the construction industry with master's degree specialisation in a specific subject such as hydraulic structures and hydro-power, as the requirement of the country.  The Postgraduate program concentrates mainly on the core courses of hydraul

ic engineering design, planning, and management apart from the allied courses on applied mathematics, statistics, and research methods. The time duration for regular Postgraduate program is 2 (two) years and 3 (three) years for extension program.

Graduate profile of each program

Graduate Profile of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering


Upon successful completion of the B.Sc. degree graduates of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering program will have acquired all the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to enable them shoulder the various responsibilities in the sector. Graduate of the program are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and attributes at the time of graduation:

  • Involving in  the  preparation  of  policies,  plans  and  programs  for  water  resources identification, development and management
  • Involving  in  reconnaissance,  pre-feasibility  and  feasibility  studies  of  water  resource development projects; these include technical studies, economic analysis, environmental impact studies and other relevant investigations
  • Planning, designing, construction & management of hydraulic structures such as dams and appurtenant structures, diversion structures, canals and irrigation network structures, water treatment structures and other similar structures.
  • Involve  in  the study of  water  resource  potential  and  site selection  for large, medium and small scale schemes.
  • Collect and analyse preliminary information & hydro-logical data for design
  • Implement designs, follow the operation and provide the necessary maintenance for the schemes
  • Planning, design, construction & management of irrigation project including: diversion head work, irrigation water requirement, irrigation network, water application and drainage networks etc.
  • Planning,  design,  construction  & management  of water  supply and  sanitary projects including: demand analysis, head work, water supply and waste water treatment plants, distribution network, storm water and sewage network etc.
  • Planning,  design,  construction  &  management  of  flood  protection/control  projects including: analysing and predicting pattern of flood & its effect, identification of flood prone areas and design of remedial measures, etc.
  • Consult and supervise water resources development activities ranging from planning to designing, construction, operation and maintenance phases
  • Undertake activities related to watershed management, water and soil conservation and reclamation, river training and restoration, legal and socio-economic aspects of water resources etc.
  • Involve  in  the  establishment  and  monitoring  of  hydro-meteorological  stations  and database,
  • Preparing  drawings,  contract  and  bid  specifications,  cost  estimates  and  reports  for waterworks projects,
  • Developing  design  and  construction  standards,  design  aids,  technical  manuals  and handbooks of water works
  • Selecting and utilizing appropriate decision support tools, computer models, for planning, design and evaluation of waterworks
  • Assume office responsibilities in the water sector
  • Undertake basic civil works of buildings, roads etc.
  • Involve in research undertakings on the development

Graduate Profile of Hydraulic Engineering


Upon successful completion of the M.Sc. program in Hydraulic Engineering, the graduate will have the ability:

  • To manage a multi-disciplinary team in a water resources development project.
  • To identify, formulate, solve, and evaluate problems in the field of hydraulic engineering.
  • To lead/ manage projects with high integrity/professionalism and ethical responsibilities.
  • To set up business in the area of water resources
  • To train professionals in universities and mid-career

Potential employers of graduates of each program

Graduates in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering can find employment in a variety of sectors. Here are some potential employers:

  1. Government Agencies: National and Regional water resources developments offices, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  2. Consulting Firms:Water and Civil Works Engineering consulting companies  and Environmental consulting firms
  3. Utilities and Municipal Water Departments Water supply and wastewater treatment facilities and Public works departments
  4. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs):Environmental conservation organisations and Humanitarian organisations focusing on water sectors
  5. Research Institutions and Universities :Academic research positions and Research projects on water resources
  6. Private Sector Companies: Construction companies and Renewable energy firms focusing on hydro-power
  7. International Organisations: World Bank and United Nations (UN) agencies focusing on sustainable development

These sectors offer a range of opportunities in project management, design, research, and policy development.