Living Root Bridges

India has submitted a proposal to UNESCO for the inclusion of Meghalaya's famous Living Root Bridges on the World Heritage List.

About the Living Root Bridges

• Living Root Bridges are locally known as 'Jingkieng Jri' or 'Lew Charai'. These bridges are located on the dense and green southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
• Developed by indigenous communities, these structures are considered a unique and excellent example of bioengineering.
• These bridges are naturally developed (preserved) by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes over a period of 15 to 30 years.
• Their length can range from approximately 15 feet to 250 feet, and with proper maintenance, they remain useful for centuries.

The Process of Building Living Root Bridges

• These bridges are constructed by training the aerial roots of Ficus elastica (Indian rubber fig or rubber tree) using special arboricultural techniques.
• In this process, the aerial roots are bent, tied, and intertwined over a river or valley, gradually developing a sturdy structure.
• In the initial stages of construction, the young and flexible aerial roots are guided within hollow trunks of areca nut (Areca catechu). These trunks provide essential nutrition to the roots, protect them from adverse weather conditions, and act as a natural guidance system.
• Additionally, the entire structure is supported by bamboo scaffolding that extends over the river, providing a temporary means of crossing for local people.
• With time, when the aerial roots become strong and thick, the role of the betel nut stems ends and the bridge becomes self-supporting.