NEW DELHI, May 11: As Meghalaya’s renowned Umshiang Double-Decker ‘Living Root Bridge’ vies for Unesco heritage site, National Geographic TV featured this venue in its list as one of the incredible places in the world to explore.
Apart from Meghalaya’s ‘living root bridges’, three more destinations from Peru, Everest and Egypt were highlighted on National Geographic TV.
Taking to Twitter, the official account of National Geographic TV wrote: “So many incredible places to explore… so little time. Which of these #NatGeo locations is at the top of your bucket list?”
Responding to the same, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma wrote: “Our Living Root Bridge featured in @NatGeoTV as one of the incredible places in the world to explore. Sharing the photo of one of many Living Root Bridges in our state.”
Locally referred as ‘Jingkieng Jri’, the ‘Living Root Bridge’ highlights symbiotic relationship between Nature and human culture to a global audience, stressing on the need to adopt a balanced approach between economy and ecology. The living root bridges are conserved by the communities of Meghalaya through their sacred customary practice of preserving the groves known as ‘Law Kyntang’.
According to scientists, ‘Living Root Bridges’ are home to several critically endangered species of flora and fauna, and, therefore, is a major reason to be considered as an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Considered to be one of the finest creations, the ‘Living Root Bridges’ are made from rubber tree roots known as Ficus elastica. Their tangled webs of roots provide a stable alternative to wooden bridges. The natural but manmade bridges also serve as vital communication links in remote areas where there are no bridges. This natural human wonder attracts thousands of tourists to the hill state every year.
