Shillong, Sep 18: Journalists from Uttar Pradesh visited Siej village in East Khasi Hills and interacted with Padma Shri awardee Hally War, who guided them to the Umkhar Living Root Bridge.
War explained how aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) are carefully guided and nurtured over several years to form functional bridges across streams and difficult terrain. He shared how he learnt the traditional practice from his father and grandfather and has devoted decades to preserving and passing on the indigenous knowledge.
Walking with War to Umkhar, the journalists observed the living root bridge and experienced the natural landscape of Siej. They appreciated the ingenuity and sustainability of the tradition and said the interaction gave them a better understanding of the close relationship between Khasi communities, their environment and indigenous knowledge.
They thanked War for sharing his knowledge and personal journey, felicitated him for his decades-long efforts and congratulated him on being conferred the Padma Shri in 2026. DIPR officials accompanied the delegation.
The visit was part of the PIB press tour aimed at providing first-hand exposure to Meghalaya’s cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, environment and community-based tourism initiatives.
