Exams resume in Pangi

After disruptions caused by heavy snowfall, the annual examination of Class 9 to 12 conducted by Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE), Dharamshala resumed in tribal Pangi valley in Chamba on Monday.

“Question papers of aforesaid classes were delivered to examination centres, and all necessary elaborate arrangements have been made for successful conduct of the exams, said Officiating Resident Commissioner, Pangi, Raman Gharsangi.

The HPBOSE had postponed the examination, scheduled from March 4 to 8 in Pangi after the valley experienced unprecedented heavy snowfall in February end and beginning of March, rendering the region cut off from the rest of the state.

After skies cleared, the question papers were delivered by a helicopter in two consignments on March 7 and 8. Gharsangi said the new dates for postponed examinations are likely to be announced soon.

Meanwhile, Gharsangi convened a meeting at his office on Monday to assess the situation following the unprecedented heavy snowfall that affected the valley at the end of February and early this month.

The extreme weather conditions led to severe disruptions in daily life, including road blockages, prolonged power outages, and interruptions in water supply. Most of the villages were cut off due to the accumulation of heavy snow, making it challenging for residents to access essential services.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the status of transportation, roads, electricity, and water supply in the valley. The Resident Commissioner instructed the concerned departments to expedite restoration work with utmost caution. He also sought detailed reports on the damages caused by the snowfall so that necessary measures could be implemented. All departments assured that efforts are being made on a priority basis to restore normalcy in the region. As of Sunday, more than two dozen roads were yet to be restored in the valley out of 35 roads. Besides, 68 electricity transformers were also remained to be repaired.

Gharsangi also urged residents to remain cautious during adverse weather conditions and take all necessary safety precautions.

The meeting was attended by Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Mr. Ravi Sharma; Shiv Kumar, Assistant Engineer, HP Electricity Board; Parvinder Singh, Assistant Engineer, Jal Shakti Department; Bhagwan Das Chauhan, Principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Killar, among others.