The Government of India has nominated the ‘Jingkieng Jri/ Lyu Charai Cultural Landscape’, widely known as the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya, for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2026–27 cycle. The announcement was made in Parliament on Monday.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also stated that India has proposed the Ancient Buddhist Site at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh for UNESCO recognition in the 2025–26 cycle.
The Living Root Bridges, locally referred to as Jingkieng Jri, are distinctive structures developed by the indigenous Khasi communities. Formed from the roots of living Ficus trees, these bridges connect remote villages while offering a sustainable mode of rural transport. They have existed for centuries in Meghalaya’s dense forests, adapting to harsh weather conditions and reflecting a unique balance between human ingenuity and nature.
Beyond their functional role, the bridges symbolise the strong bond between local communities and their natural surroundings. The nomination underscores India’s commitment to preserving such cultural and ecological heritage.
With these proposals, India continues to strengthen its presence on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which currently features 42 sites from across the country.
