How much a society progresses largely depends on the resources available to it. Owing to its large population, India’s demands on natural resources are constantly increasing and it is essential that these resources are scientifically managed in a contemporary and eco-friendly manner before it’s too late.

Natural resources are natural substances that are valuable in their natural form. Something is generally considered a natural resource when the primary activities associated with it are extraction and purification rather than creation. Mining, petroleum extraction, fishing and forestry are generally considered natural resource industries while agriculture is not.

Natural resource engineers design planned activities that compliment or oppose natural or societal forces leading to modifications in soil, water or the air. They prevent and solve problems stemming from the manipulation of elements native to the earth. Their work is to do with water quality, weather and soil erosion, embankments, irrigation, drainage and all other vulnerable resources.

Natural resources are often classified into renewable and non-renewable resources. Renewable resources are mostly living resources like fish, coffee, and forests, which can replenish themselves if they are not over-harvested. So, as long as they are dealt with sensibly and in a sustainable way, renewable resources can be used indefinitely. In other words, if they are consumed at a rate that exceeds their natural rate of replacement, the standing stock will diminish and eventually run out. The rate that determines the sustainable use of a renewable resource is the replacement rate and amount of existing stock. Non-living renewable natural resources include soil, water, wind, tides and solar radiation.

What do I have to do?

Natural resources engineers design engineering solutions using land, water, mineral and renewable energy resources while always minimising the impact of these solutions on the environment. They work on a wide range of projects with teams of professional geotechnical, water and civil engineers as well as with environmental scientists. Professionals in this field analyse and assess the environmental effects, detailed design, management and construction of any project in place. Clients include corporate companies, regional councils, developers, contractors and other consultants. As specialist consultants, natural resources engineers work on technically challenging projects that require a commitment to protect, and if possible, enhance the local environment. Some of these include building dams for water supply, irrigation, waste treatment, and flood detention, irrigation schemes, water supply systems or solid and hazardous waste.

Research in this field involves remote sensing and GIS (geographic information system) applications that map and analyse things that exist on earth. Remote sensing is the art and science of making those measurements with the help of sensors on aeroplanes or satellites.

Other areas of research include surface and groundwater resources, terrain evaluation, land planning, sustainable rural development, natural hazards, and marine environmental studies, as well as many others.

What should I study?

Those with a bachelors degree in engineering or a masters in science are eligible to qualify through GATE upon taking the following exams. Admission is based on the GATE score.

The papers include engineering and science disciplines: agricultural engineering; architecture and planning; civil engineering; computer science and engineering; chemistry; electronics and communication engineering; electrical engineering; geology and geophysics; information technology; mathematics; mining engineering; physics; engineering sciences with qualifying papers in computational science, electrical sciences, life sciences and botany.

Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the subject, students are trained with an integrated approach to various issues related to natural resources exploration, sustainable exploitation and scientific management. Importance is laid on the use of modern tools and techniques such as remote sensing, GIS and so on. The course covers resources of land, water and the atmosphere.

What next?

In the last two decades there has been an increasing awareness that the greatest challenge to humankind in the 21st century will be to protect the physical environment from the jaws of a fast-growing population and economic development. According to the World Commission on Environment and Development, the world’s population will double and economic output will increase five-fold in the next 40-50 years putting a strain on the air, water bodies, forests and other natural resources.

Pursuing a career in natural resources engineering could find you employment with numerous utility and energy organisations — for example power, water and mining organisations. You could also seek a career in waste management and treatment or land use and conservation. Your qualification would be of interest to any employer whose operations focus around minerals, land, water, waste, renewable energy, natural hazards and agricultural and horticultural engineering.

Another option is to become a research scientist. Relevant degrees include postgraduate diplomas, masters and PhDs in engineering, environmental, ecological and natural resources fields.