Gangtok: The Sikkim government, in collaboration with UNESCO, has launched an initiative to preserve the traditional art of building Lepcha cane bridges, locally known as ‘Ru-Soam,’ a heritage deeply rooted in the Lepcha communities of the Dzongu Tribal Reserve within the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve.
During a meeting at Tashiling Secretariat, UNESCO Regional Director Tim Curtis commended the effort, pledging technical support for documentation and global heritage recognition of the Lepcha cane bridge-making tradition.
The session, chaired by Science and Technology Department Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, brought together artisans, experts, and community leaders to discuss the cultural and sustainable significance of these handcrafted structures, made entirely from natural materials like bamboo and wild cane.
Highlighting the bridges’ value, officials noted their role as symbols of sustainable and disaster-resilient infrastructure, increasingly important in the face of climate challenges.
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UNESCO Chief of Natural Sciences Benno Boer is expected to visit Sikkim in May to advance the preservation efforts.
“This partnership underscores a shared commitment to protecting Sikkim’s rich intangible cultural heritage while aligning with UNESCO’s global mission to safeguard traditions and practices that define cultural identities,” said an official statement.
