Shillong, June 28: The state’s iconic living root bridges came in for a huge praise during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat with him pitching for UNESCO World Heritage status for the unique structures.
The Prime Minister described the living root bridges as a symbol of harmony between humans and nature and highlighted India’s bid for the World Heritage status.
In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister said Meghalaya is known not only for its “clouds and breathtaking landscapes” but also for the warmth of its people and the extraordinary living root bridges that have fascinated visitors for generations.
Describing the “fascinating story” behind the root bridges, Modi said, “These bridges are not built in a matter of days or years; it takes decades for them to take shape.”
He explained how the roots of rubber trees are carefully guided over decades to span streams and eventually transform into sturdy, living bridges that continue to grow stronger with time.
“They reflect the creativity of the people of Meghalaya. These embody years of patience and a deep respect for nature. They demonstrate the amazing things humans can create in harmony with nature,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister noted that India has formally applied for Meghalaya’s living root bridges to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Network, a move that could bring global recognition to one of the state’s most distinctive cultural and ecological treasures.
Modi also drew attention to the community-driven efforts to preserve the bridges in the face of climate change.
“Today, local residents look after more than 120 root bridges. An entire ecosystem has developed around their conservation,” he said.
The Prime Minister lauded grassroots conservationists and made a special mention of Padma awardee Hally War, who has dedicated more than five decades to the care and preservation of the living root bridges.
“Hally War ji’s dedication is an inspiration to us all,” he said.
Calling upon people across the country to celebrate the unique heritage, Modi urged those who have visited Meghalaya’s root bridges to share their photographs on social media to inspire others to learn about the state’s living heritage.
The living root bridges, crafted by guiding the aerial roots of rubber fig trees across streams, are concentrated in the state’s southern districts.
The practice that has been passed down through generations and is increasingly being recognised as a model of sustainable architecture and community conservation.
An honour for Khasi-Jaintia communities: CM
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for highlighting Meghalaya’s living root bridges in “Mann Ki Baat”, terming it an honour for the Khasi-Jaintia communities, who carried along the age-old tradition.
Sangma took to X to say that he was “deeply grateful” to the Prime Minister for spotlighting the Jingkieng Jri (living root bridge) in the Mann Ki Baat.
Terming the bridges “a gift from one generation to the next,” the Chief Minister said they have been “grown patiently over decades by our Khasi & Jaintia communities.”
“Your words honour their faith in living in harmony with nature,” he wrote.
Sangma added that Meghalaya is working to secure UNESCO heritage status for the living root bridges.
“As we take this heritage forward to UNESCO, the whole of Meghalaya stands proud,” he said.
