Shillong: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, captivated by Meghalaya’s world-famous living root bridges, described them as a timeless symbol of harmony between people and nature that must be preserved for future generations.
During his visit to Rangthylliang village in East Khasi Hills on Saturday, Scindia marvelled at one of the tallest living root bridges and spent time with local residents and community elders who have been protecting these centuries-old natural wonders.
Accompanied by environmentalist Morningstar Khongthaw, founder of the Living Roots Foundation, the minister explored the towering bridges that stretch high above the forest canopy.
Sharing his experience on social media, Scindia wrote that being amidst the living root bridges felt like “a journey into the past, where Mother Nature’s creativity and compassion come alive.”
He called the bridges a powerful reminder of how humans and the environment can coexist in balance and mutual respect.
The minister said he was deeply moved by the natural beauty and craftsmanship behind these living structures.
“They embody the spirit of Meghalaya — rooted in nature, nurtured by generations, and standing as a testament to human patience and nature’s genius,” he remarked, urging people to protect and celebrate such ecological treasures.
ALSO READ: Assam CM seeks rail network expansion, new trains to strengthen regional connectivity
Khongthaw, who has been leading efforts to preserve traditional root-bridge making, said the visit was an opportunity to seek the Centre’s support in promoting and safeguarding these natural heritage sites.
“We need to ensure that this indigenous knowledge and these living marvels are not lost to time,” he said.
Scindia was in Meghalaya for a two-day visit, during which he also laid the foundation stone for the Sohra Circuit Project under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE).
The project aims to enhance tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable livelihoods in the region.
Earlier this year, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had also visited a living root bridge in Sohra and lauded the indigenous ingenuity and community-led conservation efforts that continue to sustain Meghalaya’s ecological heritage.
