PM Modi pitches Meghalaya's Living Root Bridges for UNESCO tag in Mann Ki Baat

Shillong, June 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday showered praise on Meghalaya’s iconic living root bridges in his 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, describing them as a symbol of harmony between humans and nature and highlighting India’s bid to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for the unique structures.

Addressing the nation, Modi said Meghalaya is known not only for its “clouds and breathtaking landscapes” but also for the warmth of its people and the extraordinary living root bridges that have fascinated visitors for generations.

India is proud of the people of Meghalaya for the manner in which they have preserved the root bridges. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/AEqVOB1x8M

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026

“The story behind these root bridges is fascinating. These bridges are not built in a matter of days or years; it takes decades for them to take shape,” the Prime Minister said.

He explained how the roots of rubber trees are carefully guided over decades to span streams and eventually transform into sturdy, living bridges that continue to grow stronger with time.

“They reflect the creativity of the people of Meghalaya. These embody years of patience and a deep respect for nature. They demonstrate the amazing things humans can create in harmony with nature,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister noted that India has formally applied for Meghalaya’s living root bridges to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Network, a move that could bring global recognition to one of the state’s most distinctive cultural and ecological treasures.

Modi also drew attention to the community-driven efforts to preserve the bridges in the face of climate change.

“Today, local residents look after more than 120 root bridges. An entire ecosystem has developed around their conservation,” he said.

The Prime Minister lauded grassroots conservationists and made a special mention of Padma awardee Hally War, who has dedicated more than five decades to the care and preservation of the living root bridges.

“Hally War ji’s dedication is an inspiration to us all,” he said.

Calling upon people across the country to celebrate the unique heritage, Modi urged those who have visited Meghalaya’s root bridges to share their photographs on social media to inspire others to learn about the state’s living heritage.

The living root bridges, found mainly in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, are bio-engineered structures created by training the aerial roots of rubber trees across rivers and streams—a practice that has been passed down through generations and is increasingly being recognised as a model of sustainable architecture and community conservation.

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