Most of us are aware of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering as separate disciplines but not many know about the birth of a new branch Civil and Environmental Engineering. Civil Environmental Engineering includes the development of sustainable processes.

Civil Engineering deals with the design, supervision, construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works such as bridges, roads, canals, dams, buildings, tunnels, airports, water works, sewage systems, ports etc. Where as Environmental engineering on the other hand is the application of science and engineering principles to improve the environment i.e.:- air, water, and/or land resources, pollutant transport, solid waste treatment, hazardous waste, management, to provide healthy water, air, and land for human habitation. One major common perception that links these two disciplines is its public nature and their interdependencies through which some of the most difficult and urgent problems facing mankind may be solved.

Civil Environmental Engineering may be categorized into three main areas: the Built Environment including residential, commercial and industrial buildings, along with the infrastructure for transportation, water supply, waste treatment, power, health care and communications, Atmosphere and Energy which combines atmospheric science and engineering with energy science and engineering, and the Water Environment includes: Coastal zones, rivers, lakes, estuaries, groundwater, soil water, and even the atmosphere as part of the hydrologic cycle.

 The Civil Environmental engineers focus mainly on hydrology which covers studies on the environmental impact of proposed construction projects. They are also involved in construction of projects on large scales, water resources management and water treatment plant design, Safe structures, water and transportation, building projects in the public sector from municipal through to federal levels, and in the private sector from individual homeowners through to international companies.

 This field requires not only a high standard of engineering knowledge but also supervisory and administrative skills. The branch of Civil and Environmental Engineering is committed to finding solutions to our major sustainability challenges faced by our society.

There are several sub-disciplines including geotechnical engineering, Public health, structural engineering, transportation engineering, municipal or urban engineering, water resources engineering, materials engineering, coastal engineering, surveying, and construction engineering. One can choose to specialize in any of the above mentioned avenues for broader opportunities.

Civil Environmental Engineers get placed in Government departments, private and public sector industry. These engineers are also recruited in Central and State pollution control boards.

The earnings depend on the specializations and also the industries employing the engineers such as Central, State government departments or private concerns. Engineers with a B.E degree receive a salary anywhere between Rs.15, 000 - Rs.30, 000.

 There is a tremendous potential with the burgeoning infrastructure industry with almost all the infrastructure companies within India and globally keen to employ Civil Environmental Engineers with the right skills.

A career option to look out for in the coming decade.