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Important Facts For Prelims

Living Root Bridges

  • 23 Nov 2019
  • 2 min read

Why in News

According to a study recently published in the journal Scientific Reports, the living root bridges (found in Meghalaya) can be considered as a reference point for future botanical architecture projects in urban contexts.

Root Bridge

  • Living root bridges (also known as Jing Kieng Jri) are the aerial bridges that are built by weaving and manipulating the roots of the Indian rubber tree.
    • A root bridge uses traditional tribal knowledge to train the roots of the Indian rubber tree (found in abundance in the area) to grow laterally across a stream bed resulting in a living bridge of roots.
    • It spans between 15 and 250 feet and is built over centuries.
  • They have been serving as connectors for generations in the Indian state of Meghalaya.
    • The bridges are primarily a means to cross streams and rivers. They have also become world-famous tourist attractions. The two most popular tourist spots are- Riwai Root Bridge and Umshiang Double Decker Bridge.
  • They have three main properties:
    • They are elastic,
    • The roots easily combine, and
    • The plants grow in rough and rocky soils.

Source: IE

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