Syed Dildar Hussain was born on 14th October, 1892. After his initial education in Hyderabad and Poona, he completed his Civil Engineering from the University of Bombay in 1918. Then he joined the Nizam’s Government service and his first posting was at Osmansagar in 1918. At the end of the first world war he was appointed in charge of the scheme of water supply to the cantonment of Aurangabad and Jalna. Besides the water supplies scheme Dildar Hussain was resposib1e for laying difficult hill roads leading to Ellora and Ajanta Caves.

He was responsible for the construction of the reinforced concrete bridge across the Godavari river at Shahgadh for which he was awarded ‘Bronze Medal’ by the Indian Road Congress. Dildar Hussain surveyed and designed .me of the largest canal systems in Hyderabad State,namely the Nizamsagar project. He was also responsible for the initial survey and location of the Nizam Sugar Factory. As Superintending Engineer he was in charge of the construction of a tuberculosis hospital-cum-sanatorium in Vikarabad.

He was closely associated with the Tungahhadr Project joint venture. Dildar Hussain created the irrigation department in Hyderabad and became its first Chief Engineer. After retirement he was associated with the Osmania University and translated several books on Civil Engineering from English to Urdu. Dildar Hussain was appointed a member of the Bhakra Nangal Enquiry Commission from 1956-1958.

He was also a member of the Central Water Power Commission, Govt. of India, 1962-64. He was the author of several books viz., “Engineer Statesman of Hyderabad” on Zain Yar Jung etc. He was one of the Presidents of the Institution of Engineers, Hyderabad. Elected as the President of All India Institute of Civil Engineering, Calcutta. The Nizam’s Government awarded him “Asafia Gold Medal” for his services to the State. Dildar Hussain died in November, 1972.