HYDERABAD: Union Minister Shivraj Patil, Major Irrigation Minister P.Lakshmaiah and other dignitaries witnessing a fire-fighting demonstration at the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) near here, were forced to leave abruptly after a massive silvery cloud enveloped the area.

Mr. Patil, who earlier reviewed the combined passing-out parade at the Academy, was advised to leave the specially-erected shamiana when the cloud covered the entire area following a sudden change in wind direction.

The Minister and others were witnessing from a distance of 100 metres, the demonstration by the CISF Fire Services to showcase the latest fire-fighting techniques.

Boiler House display

The display, which included controlling a major blaze in a `Boiler House' following an explosion, had to be abandoned soon after the dry chemical powder (DCP) tender extinguished the flames. The tender--which discharges 2,000 kg of the power within 50 seconds--created a huge cloud, forcing everyone to cover their noses and rush out.

Though no hiccups were witnessed during the rehearsals earlier, the final simulation went awry when a gust of wind blew the chemical dust towards the VIPs, NISA sources said. Later part of the demonstration, like rescuing trapped victims in Boiler House--by chair knot, ropes and pulley and jumping cushion--had to be called off.

Mr. Lakshmaiah later said VIPs' attire and heads were covered with a layer of the soot. He quipped jocularly with senior police officers `Congratulations for rescuing us'.

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