Meghalaya has taken a significant step towards global recognition as India formally submitted the nomination dossier for the State’s unique living root bridges to UNESCO. The submission, titled “Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape”, has been put forward for consideration under the 2026-27 World Heritage evaluation cycle.
The dossier was officially handed over by India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, to Lazare Assomo Eloundou, the Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre. This marks a major milestone in recognizing the cultural and environmental significance of Meghalaya’s living root bridges, which have been crafted and maintained by indigenous communities for centuries.
A Testament to Coexistence with Nature
The nominated cultural landscape spans across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, showcasing a remarkable living tradition developed by the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities. These communities have nurtured their deep connection to nature through sustainable land management practices and community governance structures. At the heart of this nomination are the living root bridges, which stand as a symbol of the indigenous philosophy of coexistence with nature and respect for Mei Ramew (Mother Earth).
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The living root bridges, grown over the years by manipulating the roots of trees, exemplify the sustainable relationship between the people and the environment, and are an impressive display of traditional knowledge passed down through generations. This harmonious relationship is reflected in the unique engineering of these bridges, which are still in use today.
National and International Support
Ambassador Sharma highlighted the role of various leaders and organizations in this significant development. He acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Culture, and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, alongside the efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, and local communities who have played a crucial role in preserving and nurturing this heritage.
The submission to UNESCO reflects India’s broader commitment to the preservation of living cultural landscapes and the promotion of heritage conservation on a global scale. With this nomination, India seeks to safeguard this extraordinary heritage while encouraging international recognition and collaboration in the field of cultural preservation.
A Cultural and Ecological Marvel
The living root bridges of Meghalaya stand not only as engineering marvels but also as testaments to the resilience and ingenuity of the Khasi and Jaintia peoples. As they continue to thrive and serve their purpose in the modern age, these bridges offer an important lesson in sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and the importance of cultural continuity.
The nomination has sparked excitement among local communities, cultural experts, and environmentalists, all of whom see this as a step forward in ensuring the continued survival of the living root bridges and their associated traditions. If approved by UNESCO, this cultural landscape will be a significant addition to India’s World Heritage sites, highlighting the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage on the global stage.
