The increasing awareness on industrial safety and environmental pollution over the past few years has opened up new career avenues for environmental engineers.
In a bid to cater to the growing demand of specialists in the industry, the Centre for Environment Studies of Anna University is planning to introduce a postgraduate course on environment, health and safety.
The Centre already offers postgraduate courses in environment engineering, environment management and science. Nearly 1,500 candidates have completed the courses, including those offered as short-term programmes. They would be involved in designing the plant and analysis of pollutants.
There is tremendous scope for engineering students in the field with the growing demand from industries, according to Centre director A. Navaneetha Gopalakrishnan. Many industries are in need of a consultant to ensure production without affecting the environment, adhering to the norms of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. The role of the candidates choosing the field would include risk management and assessment especially in chemical and fire-prone zones, he says.
With the course set to be approved in a few months, the Centre would begin admitting students in a year.