India Nominates Living Root Bridges for UNESCO Heritage Status

India has nominated the 'Jingkieng Jri/ Lyu Charai Cultural Landscape', also known as the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya, for UNESCO World Heritage status for the 2026-27 cycle. These bridges, created by indigenous Khasi communities, symbolize a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, and offer sustainable rural connectivity.

India has put forward a nomination for the 'Jingkieng Jri/ Lyu Charai Cultural Landscape', famously known as the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya, to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2026-27 cycle. This information was disclosed by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a parliamentary response.

The Living Root Bridges, formed by the Khasi tribal communities using Ficus trees, are celebrated as unique examples of human-nature harmony and sustainable rural infrastructure within the dense forests of Meghalaya. These structures stand as a testament to centuries-old knowledge and ingenuity, fostering connectivity and disaster resilience in remote villages.

Additionally, India has also sent a proposal for UNESCO listing of the 'Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath' in Uttar Pradesh for the 2025-26 cycle. Currently, India boasts 44 UNESCO-recognized sites, with efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India to conserve and maintain these culturally and naturally significant monuments.