Bad weather tests students on Day 1
Chamba district continues to grapple with relentless rain, bringing hardships for residents and students alike. On Tuesday, just before the Class 10 and 12 board examinations conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBoSE), the weather posed a significant challenge for students.
Amid heavy rain, many had to reach their examination centres drenched. For those from remote areas, the journey was even more difficult, as they navigated rugged, slippery trails for long distances.
Some students travelling by bus or other vehicles faced difficulties when landslides blocked roads, forcing them to walk to reach their exam centres. In the remote regions of Bharmour, Holi, Churah’s Chanju, Charda, Sanwal, Bairagarh, Salooni’ Bhandal, Kihar, Himagiri and Pichhla Diyur, many students had to trek up to several km through rain.
Due to safety concerns over landslides, many parents accompanied their children to ensure they reached their centres safely. Even after arriving, students had to endure the bone-chilling cold while appearing for their exams. It is worth mentioning that the authorities had already postponed Tuesday’s exam in Pangi valley.
Meanwhile, the continuous rain and snowfall crippled the normal life in the district while the situation had barely begun returning to normal after last week’s heavy snowfall.
Landslides, falling trees and unstable slopes have added to the danger, cutting off basic utilities such as electricity, water, and transportation in areas like Pangi, Bharmour, Salooni and Churah.
Authorities confirmed that despite the weather challenges, Tuesday’s board examinations concluded peacefully. While morning rains caused difficulties for students, conditions improved by noon. All necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the exams, said Bhag Singh, Deputy Director, Higher Education.
DC Mukesh Repswal said all departments have been directed to restore essential services disrupted by the snowfall and rain. Some facilities that had been repaired after last week’s extreme weather were again impacted by the recent snowfall and downpour. Efforts are underway to restore services as soon as possible, with work expected to accelerate once the weather clears in the coming days, he said.
