The ancient living roots bridges in India entwined for years stands testimony for the ingenuity of indigenous tribes of India. These bridges hold lessons for modern technology which are more contributive towards the ecosystem. Not made from any concrete material but a single giant fig tree, these roots make up the bridges that stand the test of time.
What are living root bridges?
The northeastern states of India are blessed with a beautiful bounty of nature and heavy rainfall. The state of Meghalaya, especially the village Mawsynram is known for the heaviest rainfall in the world. Attracting visitors for living root bridges, built by the Khasi and Jaintia Tribe, they help to cross the banks of streams running amidst the dense forest.
Constructed from the aerial roots of Ficus elastica, the Indian rubber tree, these bridges take almost 10 to 15 years to build themselves and can last up to 500 years. Locally, these bridges are known as Jingkieng Jri and can endure the harshest rainfall while having regenerative effects on the environment. The best root bridge is the Double Decker Root Bridge, Cherrapunji which stands 2400 feet high, 30 meters long, and is almost 180 years old. Apart from this, there is another root bridge near Mawlynnong village, which is deemed as the cleanest village in Asia. Around 3 hours from Shillong, one needs to drive to Riwai village.
How are the living root bridges built?
Initially, bamboo was used to build bridges but the Khasi tribe later replaced it with rubber trees which are put into hollow betel nut plant trunks. As the roots of the rubber trees are elastic and aerial in nature, they can be pulled and woven. So the saplings of rubber trees are planted on either of the riversides. Almost after 10 to 15 years, as the trees spawn aerial roots, the bridge builders coax these roots with the help of bamboo scaffolding. Even while the bridge is under construction, the scaffolding acts as a double way for pedestrians. While the roots are pulled and woven to meet on the other, they eventually merge and this process is called "Anastomosis". In this process, the leaf vessels, tendrils, and aerial roots fuse together naturally. Although their maintenance requires a collective effort from the villagers, these bridges turn stronger with time and self-repair themselves.
Advantages of Living Root Bridges
These organic material bridges are more durable than cement bridges and also absorb carbon dioxide. Fig trees, the main ingredient of these bridges, are popularly known to promote biodiversity around them. As birds nestle within them, which supports insects contributing towards pollination, moss grows on it, animals also use these bridges and sustain in their natural habitat and this reduces damage to natural systems. Even though nature plays a very vital role, Khasi tribes have an imperative role to interact with tree growth and bridge-building as well as using it to their advantage.
Can Living Root Bridges Be Built Across the World?
The engineering techniques of the Khasi Tribe have fascinated people across the world. Although, as they have lived in the forests for several years, they are extremely prudent with tree growth and building bridges. Also, Ficus Elastica isn't a feasible option across the world. Thus, Platanus Hispanica, a London plane tree has been a substitute for the same. Although scientists are still learning to cope with the indigenous architecture of the Khasi tribe and thus use digital tools for weaving twigs or trimming. They believe to borrow certain elements from their skills and not entirely emulating them. Meghalaya's fertile lands are also one essential factor that helps them to reign over it. With a proper way to work on it, biodiversity can thrive.
Where to Find These Living Root Bridges in India?
Double Decker Umshiang Bridge, Nongriat Village, Cherrapunji
Around 2400 feet above Umshiang river lies this bridge, starting from Tyrna village. This can be reached via trekking 45 km from Cherrapunji. The bridge has almost 3500 stairs and is considered a 90-minute trek from Nongriat to Rainbow waterfall.
Ummunoi Bridge, Nongkroh village
Around 1400 feet above the Ummunoi river, this single root bridge is quite old and is 74m long. It's a one-way trek from the Laitkynsew village and the duration is 3 to 4 hours.
Ritymmen Bridge, Nongthymmai Village
This bridge lies between Nongriat Double Decker and Tyrna village and is around 98 feet long.
How To Reach Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong?
Guwahati airport is the nearest option which is 123 km from Shillong and later a bus journey will help you reach Cherrapunji. This journey is around 54 km. While the nearest station is Guwahati station which is 148 km away from Cherrapunji and later a bus journey which may last for 4 hours. There are several homestays in this village as well.