Meghalaya and it’s Root Bridges – some developments
This article explores the state’s enduring charm through the lens of Meghalaya ‘s living root bridges, their bid for UNESCO status, and the concerns of the local Khasi community about tourism’s impact on their environment.
Ah, Meghalaya – my first home, the place of my birth and where I spent my childhood, basking in its renowned natural beauty, lush green forests and the root bridges. I remember it all too well – back in the day, it seemed greener, fresher, almost as if the hills themselves were breathing. But my last visit, well, that was quite a shocker. I strolled through Police Bazar, in Shillong, and honestly, I could scarcely believe my eyes. What once stood proud, surrounded by majestic trees, now looked more like a monstrous concrete jungle. It felt as though the very soul of the place had been gobbled up by bricks and mortar.
Still, all hope isn’t lost. A recent bit of news from The Shillong Times gave me some much-needed reassurance. It turns out, my Khasi brothers and sisters haven’t changed a jot. They’re still the same nature-loving, environmentally-conscious lot I’ve always known. And that, my friend, is a relief, let me tell you. Allow me to elaborate.
The report, at Shillong Times informed that as the Meghalaya government presses forward in its quest for UNESCO World Heritage status for the state’s famed living root bridges, the mood on the ground is somewhat less jubilant than you might expect. While the possibility of being enshrined on that prestigious list is enough to make anyone puff out their chest, the local community is treating the prospect with a healthy dose of caution—like a sceptical cat eyeing a new cushion.
These living root bridges are nothing short of miraculous, a bit like watching a plant play the long game of architecture. For centuries, the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities have been the botanical architects behind these organic masterpieces. By patiently coaxing tree roots to span rivers, they’ve crafted living, breathing crossings—nature’s own suspension bridges, if you will. They represent not just clever engineering but a profound relationship with nature, one that’s been passed down like your granny’s best biscuit recipe. However, with the government’s sights set on UNESCO status, many locals are wondering if the proverbial biscuit tin is about to be emptied by an influx of tourists.
You see, the bridges are already on UNESCO’s tentative list, which is a bit like being shortlisted for a knighthood—it’s exciting, but there’s still a lot that could go wrong. And while the international recognition would certainly put Meghalaya’s living root bridges in the spotlight, it’s the aftermath that has locals feeling a bit wobbly. More tourists means more foot traffic, and with these bridges being as delicate as they are durable, one can’t help but worry that the extra attention might wear them out like your favourite pair of wellies.
Alan West Kharkongor, Director of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), gave a polite nod to the government’s efforts but also raised an eyebrow about the potential pitfalls. “In Meghalaya, the real custodians of these bridges are the people, not the government,” he remarked. “You can’t sideline the community, or you’re barking up the wrong tree, quite literally in this case.” Kharkongor’s point was simple: the local communities have been tending to these natural wonders long before tourism was a twinkle in the government’s eye. Now, with the potential heritage tag looming, he’s urging everyone to remember that these bridges, though strong, have their limits.
“The moment these bridges get the heritage stamp, the restrictions will follow,” Kharkongor continued. “And while that’s all fine and dandy, we need to ensure that the bridges aren’t overloaded with eager tourists. After all, they’re not built for the weight of the world.” He was quick to add that this isn’t just the government’s responsibility. The whole community, from the locals to the tourists themselves, would need to be part of the solution—whether it’s maintaining the bridges or managing the crowds.
But it’s not just the weight of tourists that’s worrying people. Many community leaders are concerned about what this recognition might actually mean for their way of life. One local leader, who chose to remain anonymous—probably to avoid being the one to say “I told you so” later—remarked that the influx of tourists would require far greater upkeep of the bridges. “More tourists mean more maintenance, and that’s not something you can do on a whim. The government needs to make sure everyone’s on the same page, and more importantly, that the community is properly supported.”
Ian Lyngdoh, a well-known tourism promoter and academician, has been singing a similar tune. He pointed out that the bridges aren’t your typical tourist traps—they’re scattered across private lands, and accessing them isn’t as simple as following a signpost. “What people don’t realise is that these bridges are part of a much larger network, primarily found in the Riwar area of the state,” Lyngdoh explained. “It’s not just about a handful of bridges; there’s an entire ecosystem of living structures that need to be documented, preserved, and respected.”
Lyngdoh stressed that without proper planning, the UNESCO tag could end up doing more harm than good. “You can’t just plop a heritage site label on these bridges and call it a day. The government needs to create a comprehensive database of these structures, making sure that every living root bridge, big or small, gets the attention it deserves.” In other words, if you’re going to invite the world to marvel at these wonders, you’d better make sure you’ve tidied up beforehand.
So, while the thought of Meghalaya’s living root bridges becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site is a thrilling one, it’s also a bit like being offered a lovely cup of tea only to realise you’ve run out of biscuits. There’s plenty of excitement, but the real work lies ahead—ensuring that these bridges, and the communities that have nurtured them, can withstand the pressures that come with being thrust into the global limelight. After all, as they say, it’s not the destination but the journey, and these bridges have been on quite the journey already. Let’s hope the road ahead is just as well-trodden, but not too heavily so.
Cover Picture by ABIR.
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