One of the big attraction of
Meghalaya is several hundred years old living
root bridge,an awe-inspiring example of bio-engineering by the ancient
Khasi people.In the monsoon it becomes impossible for the villagers to
cross the turbulent streams.Instead of building bridges,khasis grows
them.Bamboos or hollow trunk of betel nut trees are placed over the
streams. Then the roots of rubber trees guided to pass through the
hollow trunks of bamboo or betel nut and consequently roots reached the
other side of the river and they are allowed to grow on the other
side.Over a certain period of time the roots and their secondary roots
gets twisted together and became stronger and more stronger and ready
for use.It takes almost 10-15 years for living root bridge to function properly.Stones are inserted in the gaps later making it look like a
stone-covered pathway.The Khasi people lived their live based upon
these eco freindly principles for centuries in perfect harmony with
nature.
