Shimla, March 4: Biting cold continued to grip Himachal Pradesh after several areas in the state received fresh snowfall and rainfall over the last few days. In the wake of the frequent spells of snow, roads in several parts, especially in Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti district are blocked. This has raised concerns for educational institutions in the state as the exams of Class 10 and Class 12 are set to begin on March 6. If the roads continue to be blocked, it would cause inconvenience to students to reach their exam centers. Over 2.35 lakh students will be appearing for Class 10 and Class 12 exams being conducted by HPBoSE.  Schools Closed in Shimla, Kinnaur and Other Areas, Temperature Dips.

Moreover, the exam question papers will not be delivered to the exam centres on time due to the snow-clad roads. For this, the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBoSE) has sought the help of Indian Air Force (IAF) and state government to deliver question papers in areas covered with snow. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the question papers have been sent to the collection centres set up in these parts and will be airlifted to the examination centres in Pangi valley of Chamba and Lahual-Spiti district. Himachal Pradesh On Yellow Alert, Likely to Witness Heavy Snowfall on February 26.

HPBoSE chairman Suresh Kumar Soni was quoted in the HT report saying, the Board has sought the help of IAF and the state government chopper to deliver question papers in areas which are cut off from rest of the state due to snow.  He said other alternatives to deliver question papers were also being explored.

Himachal has been witnessing massive landslides over the past few months triggered by heavy rainfall. Many highway across the state were blocked as the accumulation of snow made it difficult for vehicles to pass. Reports inform that massive landslides at Mompassi and Panthyal left more than 3,000 vehicles stranded at different locations. Himachal Pradesh: Snowfall in Major Tourist Places, Minimum Temperature Dips Below Freezing Point.

On Monday, the minimum temperature dropped by two to three degrees in the state after last week's snowfall and widespread rain. The minimum temperature in Shimla was 3.5 degrees Celsius on Monday, while it was 0.4 degree in Manali, which is still covered in snow. "There are chances of rain and snowfall on Wednesday as western disturbances (the weather systems that cause precipitation) are active over the region," a Met official told IANS.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2019 04:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).