Sitharaman Hails Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges as Global Model for Sustainability

Finance Minister calls indigenous ecological innovation a beacon for climate resilience and urges UNESCO recognition

SHILLONG — In a world increasingly threatened by the climate crisis and unsustainable development, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday praised Meghalaya’s iconic living root bridges as a profound, homegrown solution rooted in harmony with nature.

Addressing a community gathering at Siej village in the East Khasi Hills district, Sitharaman described the centuries-old tradition of cultivating bridges from the aerial roots of living trees as a remarkable example of ecological resilience and indigenous innovation. “This is not about conquering nature, but collaborating with it,” she said.

Sitharaman visited the famous living root bridge in Siej and engaged with local elders, community leaders, and beneficiaries of the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programme—an initiative supported by the World Bank, KfW, and the Asian Development Bank. The PES initiative rewards communities for preserving natural resources and maintaining traditional ecological practices.

“I thank the entire village for sustaining this lush green ecosystem with such commitment,” Sitharaman said. “For over a hundred years, you have built a way of life that respects and protects the environment—even finding innovative ways to cross rivers without cutting down a single tree. That is a lesson to the world.”

Calling the root bridges a shining example of nature-aligned development, she added, “At a time when the global community is searching for sustainable solutions, the people of Siej have already demonstrated one. Your practices are not only effective—they are replicable, scalable, and deeply inspiring.”

Sitharaman also expressed strong support for the community’s efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the living root bridges. “This recognition is not for vanity, but to show the world that indigenous communities were the first to live in true balance with nature. Your wisdom and innovation deserve to be shared globally.”

She paid heartfelt tribute to the village elders who have safeguarded the tradition across generations and continue to nurture the bridges today. “Meeting the elder who cares for this living bridge was deeply moving. His act of nourishing the roots is not just symbolic—it reflects a lifelong devotion to coexisting with nature. It was truly inspirational.”

Sitharaman reflected on how the lifestyle of the villagers embodies the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently advocated for an environmentally conscious way of life. “The Prime Minister urges all citizens to adopt sustainable habits. Here in Meghalaya, that vision is already a living reality,” she noted.

Her visit reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to supporting traditional ecological knowledge, empowering community-led conservation efforts, and placing nature-based solutions at the center of national development strategies.

“The living root bridges are not just engineering marvels—they are living examples of how humanity can flourish in tandem with nature,” Sitharaman concluded.