Meghalaya CM affirms state's push to document living root bridges, seek UNESCO world heritage status

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, on January 11, visited Siej village in the Shella Bholaganj Block as part of the Cabinet Retreat at Sohra to discuss the Vision 2032 for Meghalaya at 60.
 

CM Sangma, accompanied by Cabinet ministers and other government officials, took a 10-minute walk to the Umkar Living Root Bridge. He reiterated the government's commitment to securing UNESCO World Heritage status for the bridges.
 

Addressing community members and project leaders, the chief minister highlighted the significance of the Living Root Bridge, which has been an essential part of the local culture for over 300 years. 
 

"The wisdom of our ancestors led to the creation of this beautiful and functional bridge," he said while adding, "It’s remarkable how the community has come together to preserve this tradition, ensuring that the younger generation learns to carry it forward."
 

The chief minister met the headman, Hali War, who spoke about the legacy of weaving passed down to younger generations.
 

Hali War began weaving the 50-year-old living root bridge at the age of 10. The bridge was created to help villagers cross the stream during the monsoon season.
 

Speaking on his lifelong commitment to maintaining the structure, War said, "At around 10 years old, I saw the difficulty people faced while crossing the river. It became clear to me that something lasting and sustainable had to be done. The idea came from my grandparents, who shared stories about the strength of living roots."
 

Chief Minister Sangma lauded the ongoing efforts to maintain the bridge and acknowledged the challenges faced by the community in sustaining this age old art of weaving bridges. 
 

"This project shows the patience and dedication required to create something sustainable. It’s a testament to the wisdom passed down through generations," the chief minister added.
 

During the visit, the chief minister also announced new infrastructure projects to improve connectivity in the region, including the construction of new roads and the upgrading of school buildings.
 

"The government is committed to addressing the needs of rural communities," he said. 
 

"We have decided to sanction a new road to improve access for farmers and residents, and we are working on building new school facilities to ensure that future generations have better educational opportunities."
 

He also addressed the potential for tourism development in the region. 
 

Local informed that close to 10,000 tourists visiting the Living Root Bridge at Seij annually. 
 

"We recognise the importance of tourism for economic growth in the region," the chief minister added. 
 

“The tourism department will be tasked with developing necessary facilities while ensuring that the natural and cultural heritage of the area is preserved."
 

"The villagers are weaving another layer of the bridge, which will serve as a living root skywalk overlooking the stream," the Chief Minister's Office stated on X.
 

The Meghalaya chief minister also interacted with the villagers, informing that the government has documented all existing Living Root Bridges and is pursuing UNESCO for their World Heritage status.
 

During the officials' visit to Siej, the villagers engaged with the chief minister and sought amenities to promote tourism in the area, and sanctions to improve the road leading to the village.