Bejewelled Yousufguda

By Mouli Mareedu

Yousufguda, known for its secular credentials, is an out and out commercial area and houses the famous Chandana studio and Krishnakanth Park

Yousufguda is one of the major colonies in Hyderabad and the colony is known for its secular credentials. Many Hindu and Muslim communities reside here. This colony is divided into two parts - Yousufguda basti and Yousufguda checkpost. Both areas are commercial and more shops are being added on the main road of the colony.

Yousufguda has a great historical past. Many Nizam Nawabs regularly visited 'Shaleesh Mahan' where the Nawab's pet animals like horses, cats and dogs were looked after. People living in the colony started calling the area ‘Yousufguda’ in memory of Yousuf Khan, who stayed and administered the colony during the Nizam Nawabs tenure.

“My forefathers have always narrated that the area saw development under the guidance of colony administrator Yousuf Khan. Construction of roads, setting up of candle light posts and excavation of a huge lake all were done by him during the Nizam Nawab rule,” senior citizen of the colony D Maruthi Rao said.

Rao said that the lake was modernised as a park by former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and renamed Krishnakanth Park. “It was a good idea to revamp the lake as a public park. I regularly visit the park and take a nap as there are many trees there. The Krishnakanth Park is one of the biggest parks in the city with better facilities such as swimming pool, water fountains and kids boating,” a retired IFS officer, Seetaram said.

The Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) first battalion office and quarters are also located here and it gives training to new entrants. “The first battalion office of APSP was shifted to Yousufguda from Golconda in 1955 for the convenience of the citizens. As many as 1,800 families of Special Police department are staying in this locality. The administrative office is also located in the place,” said senior APSP personnel, Mutyam Ranganath.

C Buchi Reddy, vice-president, Yousufguda Colony Welfare Association said Nalla Pochamma temple, which is located at Yousufguda basti, is a famous 100-year temple. Another colony landmark is the Kotla Vijayabhaskar Reddy indoor stadium, which has a 2000-spectator capacity. In 2003, the Afro-Asian games were held here. Many young children come here to learn Badminton, Basketball, and other sports and games.