SHILLONG: Traditional heads of Nongblai in East Khasi Hills claimed that the village has the highest number of ‘living root bridges’ in the world – 16 in total – and hence declared it as the ‘living roots heritage village’.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Sordar of Raid Nongblai Nokod Khriam said, “Our village is located at the very end of a valley surrounded by mountains on all sides encompassing many river channels and these living root bridges have helped the people to cross the river channels located at different places to reach their farm lands.”
Khriam was accompanied by traditional heads and director of the last Living Roots Eco Challenge Ian Khongmen. “The 16 living root bridges have been in existence for the past 200 years and have been nurtured by the past generations,” Khriam added.
“The length of the bridges range from 10 to 40 metres. We have decided to make the declaration (living roots heritage village) as we felt the need to protect and preserve the natural surroundings and promote sustainable eco tourism,” he said.
He informed that Raid Nongblai includes Kyntoit of Nongblai village, Shuthim and Wahlyngkhat and these villages have taken upon themselves the responsibility to safeguard the 16 living root bridges.
Nongblai is 50 km away from Shillong and to reach the village which is surrounded by mountains and 16 river channels, visitors have to pass through Wahlyngkhat village in which they will have to descend a steep hill and walk through a scared grove.
The journey to the 16 living root bridges will take approximately two hours.
2nd Living Roots Eco Challenge from Nov 19
In this connection, the Living Roots Eco System Society (LRES) led by Ian Khongmen will organise the second Living Roots Eco Challenge on November 19.
In an attempt to promote the village as an eco tourism destination, the delegation of traditional heads have decided to clean the trails and pathways leading to the living root bridges, provide guide services, set up guest houses etc.
