India has officially submitted the nomination dossier for Meghalaya’s iconic living root bridges, known locally as Jingkieng Jri, for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2026-27 cycle.
The dossier was presented on Thursday, 29 January 2026, by India’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, to the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris.
This submission marks a significant milestone for the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities, who have served as the traditional guardians of these bio-engineered wonders for centuries.
The move seeks to bring global recognition to a “living cultural landscape” that exemplifies a harmonious and sustainable relationship between humanity and nature.
Meghalaya Root Bridge
The living root bridges are unique suspension structures handcrafted from the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica (rubber fig) tree. Unlike conventional infrastructure, these bridges are grown rather than built, with the indigenous communities guiding the flexible roots across rivers and streams using bamboo or areca nut trunks.
Over a period of 15 to 30 years, the roots thicken and intertwine, eventually becoming strong enough to support the weight of over 50 people at once.
Many of these bridges, found primarily across the southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, are estimated to be several centuries old. They represent a functional response to the region’s extreme rainfall and rugged terrain, showcasing a deep-rooted philosophy of “Mei Ramew” or Mother Earth.
Global Recognition
The nomination dossier, titled “Jingkieng Jri: Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscapes of Meghalaya,” was handed over by Ambassador Vishal V. Sharma to UNESCO Director Lazare Assomo Eloundou. In a statement on X, Chief Minister Conrad K.
Sangma expressed his optimism for the 2026-27 evaluation, stating, “We are hopeful that the living root bridges will be inscribed this year, ensuring that the indigenous communities, the true guardians of this living heritage, receive the global recognition they so richly deserve.”
Ambassador Sharma also acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the dossier, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and local experts for their role in safeguarding these sites.
The submission follows the recent conferment of the Padma Award on Bah Halley War, a local conservationist whose lifelong dedication has been pivotal in preserving this traditional knowledge.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that true progress lies in learning from the sustainable wisdom of our indigenous ancestors. The nomination of the Jingkieng Jri is not just about a prestigious title; it is a celebration of a lifestyle that prioritises ecological harmony over exploitation.
These bridges do not just connect two banks of a river; they bridge the gap between human necessity and environmental preservation. In an era of climate crisis, Meghalaya’s living root bridges serve as a powerful reminder that infrastructure can be resilient, living, and regenerative.
We hope this recognition empowers the local communities to continue their stewardship while inspiring the world to adopt kinder, more symbiotic ways of living with our planet.
