Day 12 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026
Unlike traditional bridges made of dead wood, steel, or concrete, these are biological systems that continue to grow and evolve while in use.
HOW THEY ARE MADE
It takes anywhere from 15 to 30 years for such a bridge to be made and become functional. Villagers take the young, pliable aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) and guide them across a river.
To direct the growth, builders often use bamboo or wooden scaffolds, or even hollowed-out areca palm trunks. These trunks not only guide the roots but also protect them and provide nutrients as the palm wood decays.
Through a process called "inosculation", the roots intertwine and fuse together over time, forming a dense, stable frame. Villagers continue to prune and manipulate new roots to strengthen the structure.
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| A doubledecker living root bridge in Nongriat, Meghalaya. -- The Guardian/David Talukdar/Alamy |
ARE THEY STRONG?
Yes, they are. One of their most remarkable features is that, unlike man-made materials that weaken with age, these bridges grow stronger and self-repair as the trees mature. They are specifically designed to withstand the violent flash floods and storm surges of Meghalaya, which often wash away modern steel or concrete alternatives.
It can typically carry 30 or more people at once. For example, the mature bridge in Riwai, Meghalaya, has been witnessed carrying up to 35 people simultaneously, demonstrating the immense load-bearing capacity of these living fibrous networks.
IN OTHER PLACES
Such bridges are not exclusive to Meghalaya. Similar living root structures have been documented in the state of Nagaland and on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java, where they are crafted by the Baduy people. The concept has inspired modern researchers in Europe to explore living architecture using different species to create greener urban environments.
Some notable bridges, such as the famous Double Decker bridge in Nongriat, Meghalaya, are estimated to be at least 200 years old, while others may be even older. The earliest known written record by an outsider was by Henry Yule in 1844.
(Information sources: BBC, United Nations Development Programme, Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, Outlook Traveller)
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Good to see that you are featuring North East in your posts.
ReplyDeleteHumans are so clever with invention, low tech and plant based or high tech.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting Pradeep - it's like giant bonsai - where you prune to get the outcome you're looking for.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteLingers Long in mind, such images - seen in a documentary once and never forgotten! YAM xx
I've seen those before (in pictures). They kind of creep me out. Not sure why, but they seem freaky to me.
ReplyDeleteI would love to walk on one of them. We don't have the right kind of climate in Michigan, I don't think, but grape vines might work. I might have to try an experiment with the vines in my yard.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I did not know until I read your blog post. Are these suspension bridges?
ReplyDelete