SHILLONG, June 28 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used his Mann Ki Baat address to spotlight Meghalaya’s living root bridges, or Jingkieng Jri, drawing national attention to these bio‑engineered structures and reiterating India’s bid for their recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. He described the bridges as a rare example of harmony between people and nature and praised the vision and perseverance of the Khasi and Jaintia communities who have nurtured them.
Modi explained how the bridges are formed: “Unlike conventional bridges, these are shaped over several decades by carefully directing the aerial roots of rubber trees across rivers and streams,” he said, highlighting traditional knowledge as a sustainable solution that preserves the environment. His remarks framed the root bridges not only as cultural heritage but also as living examples of community‑based climate resilience.
The prime minister noted that more than 120 living root bridges are being safeguarded by local communities, a practice that has become a strong, community‑led conservation movement amid growing climate challenges. He also lauded Padma awardee Hally War for dedicating more than 50 years to protecting the bridges and ensuring the tradition survives for future generations. Modi encouraged visitors to share their experiences and photographs on social media to raise awareness about the heritage.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma thanked the prime minister shortly after the broadcast. In a post on X, Sangma called the recognition a tribute to the indigenous wisdom and environmental stewardship of the Khasi and Jaintia peoples and wrote, “These bridges are a gift from one generation to the next, grown patiently over decades by our Khasi and Jaintia communities. Your words honour their faith in living in harmony with nature,” tagging the Prime Minister and the PMO.
The national attention from Mann Ki Baat could strengthen efforts to protect the living root bridges, raise public awareness, and support the ongoing push for UNESCO recognition, while underscoring the broader value of indigenous practices in addressing environmental and climate challenges.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/06/29/pm-spotlights-living-root-bridges-in-mann-ki-baat/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2026-06-29 05:51:00
