Wednesday, May 28 2025 | Time 05:50 Hrs(IST)
States » EastPosted at: May 27 2025 7:15PM


Research efforts underway to study living root bridges

Shillong, May 27 (UNI) Research efforts are underway to study in-depth the living root bridges in Meghalaya.
Speaking at a workshop on the Living Root Bridges Cultural Landscape held here on Tuesday, Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, Sampath Kumar said the State government is working closely with local communities to further the initiative.
He highlighted that the initiative was originally envisioned by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who expressed a strong commitment to bring UNESCO's focus to the unique living root bridges and assured dedicated funding for the project.
The event was organized by the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with UNESCO, INTACH, and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA).
Chief of the Culture Unit at the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, Junhi Han, expressed gratitude to the Meghalaya government for facilitating the study of these bioengineered structures.
She described the living root bridges as extraordinary examples of harmony between nature and humanity.
Han commended the state for promoting these naturally formed structures, which are not products of industrial machinery but the result of indigenous knowledge and skills passed down through generations.
She stressed the importance of conserving this heritage and educating the youth on its significance.
Padma Shri awardee and former UPSC Chairman Dr. David R. Syiemlieh, shared his appreciation for being part of the discussion titled "Guiding the Preparation of World Heritage Nomination Dossier for Living Root Bridges."
Syiemlieh emphasised the vital role the bridges play for local communities, especially in enabling river crossings.
He explained that locals use bamboo and betel nut trunks to direct the roots across streams until they grow into functional footbridges.
Syiemlieh further stated that while some root bridges have been lost over time, many still stand today—some even over a century old. He underscored their cultural and ecological significance and noted their wide presence across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
The workshop marked a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to preserve and potentially nominate the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya for UNESCO World Heritage recognition.
UNI RRK BD
Tags: #Research efforts underway to study living root bridges
More News

Bihar: Chief assistant Jehanabad education office arrested taking bribe

28 May 2025 | 1:59 AM

Patna, May 27 (UNI) The special vigilance team arrested chief assistant of Jehanabad district Education office Laxman Yadav while allegedly receiving a bribe of Rs 50,000.

see more..

2 COVID-19 cases detected in Arunachal; no cause for panic: Health official

28 May 2025 | 1:49 AM

Itanagar, May 27 (UNI) Two new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Arunachal Pradesh through RT-PCR tests conducted at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Naharlagun on Tuesday.

see more..

Teacher recruitment process to start from May 31: Bengal CM Mamata

28 May 2025 | 1:48 AM

Kolkata, May 27 (UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced her government would issue the notification for the recruitment of teachers by May 31 as per last month's Supreme Court order.

see more..

Apex students’ body urges implementation of MHA directives to safeguard indigenous electoral rights

27 May 2025 | 9:35 PM

Itanagar, May 27 (UNI) The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has called for the strict implementation of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directives to deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from the state, aiming to protect the electoral rights of the indigenous people.

see more..
Modi to gift Rs 50 K crore projects to Bihar: Samrat

Modi to gift Rs 50 K crore projects to Bihar: Samrat

27 May 2025 | 8:57 PM

Patna, May 27 (UNI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will gift Rs 50 thousand crore in developmental projects to Bihar during his two-day visit to the state on May 29 and 30.

see more..