Living Root Bridge | Single Decker Root Bridge | Mawlynnong | Meghalaya
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Living Root Bridge is the top tourist attraction in Shillong, Meghalaya. It is a brilliant example of human engineering, which is harmonious with Nature.
Monsoon presented a huge problem to indigenous Khasi tribes who found it difficult to cross the rain fed torrents of water. Bamboo bridges would rot and iron/steel was non-existent or expensive.
Around 200 years ago, village elders devised a unique nature-friendly solution. They guided young Rubber Fig (ficus elastic) roots to grow through the hollowed-out trunk (like a pipe) of Betel Nut (Areca nut) stem. These were placed across rivers and streams in dry season until the figs' roots attach themselves to the other side of the river.
Roots of Rubber Fig tree can securely clasp over rocks in the face of heavy soil erosion. The Betel Nut trunks served to guide the roots, and provide them with nutrients. Once the slender roots reached the other side of the bank, they were infused deep into the soil. Finally, mud, stones and sticks were added to complete the bridge. The process usually takes around 15-20 years.
The beauty of this engineering is that it takes little maintenance and grows stronger over time. It is surreal to walk over these bridges surrounded by cloud-kissing hills and tropical forest.
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