Meghalaya’s Monsoon-Resilient Living Root Bridge

One fine Sunday, as usual, an evening telephonic conference with my BSc friends sparked the idea of planning a Meghalaya tour. True to their words, the plan finally became a reality. The most memorable experience was trekking to Living Root Bridge. This unique natural and cultural marvel blends human creativity with the resilient forces of nature, making it a major tourist attraction. We were amazed to learn that this monsoon-resilient bridge,  stronger than a cement bridge, is grown rather than built. It stands as a living example of the sustainable practices of ethnic communities in Meghalaya, famously known as the “Abode of Clouds.” Let us delve into the history, significance, and cultural importance of these remarkable living root bridges.

Why is it monsoon-resilient?

Living root bridges are testaments to sustainability, as Meghalaya is the World’s wettest place, and experiences high rainfall during monsoon. It poses many challenges to the locals, especially people living in forests and remote areas to cross flooded rivers. Moreover, the bridges constructed with wood or bamboo would rot quickly due to the humid climate, promoting locals to seek more durable, natural alternatives that withstand prolonged heavy rainfall.

Living root bridges in Meghalaya are highly monsoon-resilient due to their unique natural structure:

1. Flexible and Durable Materials: The aerial roots of Ficus elastica (Indian rubber) are highly flexible and strong. The bridges created from these roots can withstand prolonged heavy rainfall and varying loads without breaking. The elasticity and flexibility allow them to withstand intense monsoon and flash floods, and show resistance to rot and corrosion, unlike wooden, cement, and other material bridges.
2. Robust and Self-repairing Nature: Unlike concrete or steel bridges, living root bridges grow and strengthen over time. As time passes, roots mature and become thicker and thicker and robust, making them highly adaptable to harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain. Hence, their growth ensures self-healing capabilities during monsoon time.
3. Resistance to Erosion and Corrosion: The steel and cement bridges degrade over time in harsh weather, and show rusting and weathering. The natural composition of the roots protects them from rust and weathering.
4. Indigenous Knowledge: Years of experience, and trials and errors of local communities, especially Khasi and Jaintia found a solution in areas where traditional constructions are impractical due to steep and slippery terrains or frequent flooding.  The ability of Root Bridges to withstand monsoon-related challenges makes them a sustainable solution for connectivity.

Overall, the living root bridges are a testament to the sustainable engineering practices of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities.

Why has Ficus elastica chosen to make this bridge?

Ficus elastica (Indian rubber) trees unique growth characteristics such as wider adaptability, and flexible and strong roots, have been utilized by humans to create these remarkable structures. 

The unique characteristics of Ficus elastica:

1. Aerial Roots: Indian rubber naturally produces long, strong aerial roots that grow outward and downward from its branches, making it an ideal candidate for manipulation into specific forms.
2. Flexibility and Strength: The roots are highly flexible when young but become incredibly strong and durable as they mature.
3. Adaptability: The tree thrives in the wet, subtropical conditions of Meghalaya, India, where these bridges are most famously found. Its roots can withstand water, making it suitable for spanning rivers and streams.
4. Longevity: These bridges get stronger as they mature, and the roots become thicker over time, unlike wooden or metal bridges that degrade.
5. Sustainability: They are an eco-friendly and sustainable solution in the rugged terrain where alternative solutions are impractical to implement. It integrates human activity with nature rather than opposing it.
6. Resilience: They withstand monsoon flash floods and rotting, unlike wooden or bamboo bridges that are susceptible to rotting. 

Who constructed the living root bridges?

The history of the living root bridges is interconnected with the lives of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya. These tribes have lived in harmony with nature and they have been natural worshipers for many centuries, adapting to the rugged terrain and the heavy monsoon rains.

How old are living root bridges?

 The origin of the practice of growing root bridges likely began hundreds of years ago, with no precise historical documentation. It is believed to have originated from past experiences, trials, and errors as a solution to the challenges posed by the region’s undulating landscape and frequent flooding during monsoons. 

How are living root bridges constructed?

The Ficus elastica tree, commonly known as the Indian rubber tree, is central to this tradition. This tree’s aerial roots are elastic, have tensile strength, and can be trained to grow across rivers. Villagers utilize bamboo scaffolding and betel nut trunks to direct the roots, a process that can typically take 10–15 years to develop fully. When mature, the bridges can bear significant loads and last for hundreds of years, growing stronger with time. 

What is the cultural and societal significance?

The living root bridges are more than just functional infrastructure; they are deeply intertwined in the cultural fabric of the Khasi and Jaintia communities.

1. Traditional Knowledge: The creation and maintenance of these bridges require patience and foresight. These are a live example of the indigenous knowledge systems passed from generation to generation. These practices highlight a harmonious relationship of Indigenous communities with nature.
2. Community engagement: Growing a root bridge requires collective effort over decades. The process of growing a root bridge showcases community spirit and multiple generations’ contributions to the construction and upkeep of a single bridge.
3. Symbolism: For the Khasi and Jaintia people, the bridges symbolize resilience, interconnectedness, and the power of nature. They represent a living bond between humans and their environment.
4. Tourism and Recognition: The bridges, particularly the double-decker living root bridge in Nongriat, have gained international recognition, drawing tourists and researchers. While this brings economic benefits to local communities, it also underscores the need for sustainable tourism practices to protect these delicate structures.

What are the challenges faced by living root bridges to survive?

The living root bridges face threats from modernization and environmental changes:

• Deforestation: The surrounding forests, crucial for the survival of the rubber trees, are under pressure from many developmental activities, agricultural expansion, and logging.
• Neglect: Younger generations, influenced by modern lifestyles, may lose interest in maintaining this traditional practice.
• Overtourism: Unregulated tourism can lead to environmental degradation, as increased foot traffic and infrastructure development disturb the natural balance.

Efforts are being made to preserve this unique heritage. Local organizations and governments, along with international bodies, are promoting awareness and sustainable tourism. Educational programs aim to reconnect younger generations with their cultural roots.

Is there any other importance of Ficus elastica?

This Ficus elastica (Rubber) tree is multifunctional with enormous benefits and acts as:

1. Air Purifier: This tree removes indoor toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, enhances oxygen, and reduces air pollutants, improving indoor air quality.
2. Ornamental tree: It adds aesthetic value to homes, offices, and gardens due to its glossy and broad leaves,  adding elegance and ambiance. Furthermore, it also plays an important role in avenue and urban forestry management.
3. Stress buster: Indoor rubber trees promote mental well-being, reduce stress, and improve mood.
4. Carbon Sequester: It acts as a sink to atmospheric carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, contributing to reducing greenhouse gases.
5. Latex Producer: Historically, the tree was an important latex producer and its latex was used to produce rubber, though less common today.
6. Environment protector: The tree protects soil from erosion and supports wildlife when planted outdoors.
7. Medicinal tree: It is also used in traditional medicine treating wounds and inflammation.
8. Eco-Friendly Decor: Long-lived and resilient, it’s a sustainable option for indoor greenery.

Conclusion

The living root bridges of Meghalaya stand as a symbol of sustainable living, ingenuity, and the bond between humans and nature. They are not only physical structures but living testaments of a philosophy that respects and nurtures the environment. As they gain recognition worldwide, it is important to balance their cultural preservation with the benefits of modernity, ensuring that these living marvels continue to inspire and experience for generations to come. In addition, this rubber tree is valued for its ecological, ornamental, and practical benefits, making it a favorite eco-friendly decor for homes and workplaces.