India Submits Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges for UNESCO World Heritage Status

Meghalaya has taken a major step towards global recognition of its unique living heritage with India formally submitting the nomination dossier of the State’s Living Root Bridges to UNESCO for consideration under the 2026–27 World Heritage evaluation cycle.
The dossier, titled “Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape”, was submitted by India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, to the Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, Lazare Assomo Eloundou.

A Unique Cultural Landscape
The nominated cultural landscape spans the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and represents a remarkable living tradition nurtured and sustained over centuries by the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities.

Living Root Bridges: Harmony with Nature
Locally known as Jingkieng Jri, the Living Root Bridges (LRBs) embody the indigenous philosophy of coexistence with nature and deep reverence for Mei Ramew (Mother Earth). These structures are made from the aerial roots of the India rubber tree (Ficus species) and serve as sustainable, climate-resilient solutions for rural connectivity and livelihoods.

Beyond Bridges: A Diverse Living Heritage
While commonly referred to as “living bridges,” recent studies reveal that this tradition extends far beyond bridge structures. The living root systems also form ladders, platforms, towers, steps, and even erosion and landslide prevention structures, highlighting their ecological and engineering sophistication.

Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability
The Living Root Bridges represent a rare fusion of traditional ecological knowledge, community stewardship, and sustainable engineering, evolving organically over generations without harming the environment.