Shillong, Jun 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today put Meghalaya’s living root bridges in the national spotlight during the 135th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, calling them a living example of people and nature working together and backing India’s UNESCO World Heritage push for the structures.
Modi said Meghalaya is known not only for its “clouds and breathtaking landscapes” but also for the warmth of its people and the extraordinary root bridges that have fascinated visitors for generations.
“The story behind these root bridges is fascinating. These bridges are not built in a matter of days or years; it takes decades for them to take shape,” he said, explaining how Khasi and Jaintia communities carefully guide the roots of rubber trees across streams until they form sturdy, living bridges that 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,” the PM said.
He underlined the community role in conservation: “Today, local residents look after more than 120 root bridges. An entire ecosystem has developed around their conservation.” Modi also referred to Padma Shri awardee Hally War, who has spent more than five decades caring for the bridges. “Hally War ji’s dedication is an inspiration to us all,” he said.
Modi added that India has formally applied for Meghalaya’s living root bridges to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Network. He also asked citizens who have visited them to share photographs on social media to spread awareness about the state’s living heritage.
The bridges, found mainly in the southern stretches of Khasi-Jaintia Hills, are bio-engineered structures made by training aerial roots across rivers and streams — a practice passed down through generations and now recognised as a model of sustainable architecture and community conservation.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, in a Facebook post, said he was “deeply touched” by the PM’s mention.
