Abstract
The article examines the activities of the state bodies responsible for the construction and safety of hydraulic engineering structures in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It establishes the necessity of improving the effectiveness of state legal regulation in ensuring the safety of hydraulic engineering structures. Based on comparative legal analysis, a study was conducted into the specific legal status of the bodies responsible for the operation of hydraulic engineering structures in Central Asian states and other foreign countries, scientific initiatives were undertaken to identify the best model for managing the operation of hydraulic engineering structures. The study concluded with findings regarding the need to improve the activities of the state bodies responsible for the operation of hydraulic engineering structures in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It was concluded that a law on hydraulic engineering structures should be adopted in our country, establishing the remit and authority of a specialised state body. The results of the research are recommended for application in scientific research on the country’s water law and in legislative activity concerning the legal regulation of water relations.