Nirmala Sitharaman visits iconic living root bridge in Meghalaya, applauds indigenous ecological practices

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 12, 2025

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the iconic living root bridge at Siej Village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills District today, highlighting the significance of indigenous knowledge systems and community-led conservation efforts.

During her visit, Sitharaman interacted with village elders, local leaders, and beneficiaries of the Payment for Ecosystem Services programme—an initiative supported by the World Bank, KFW, and ADB—to understand how local communities preserve and innovate age-old ecological practices.

Addressing the village community, Sitharaman expressed deep admiration for Meghalaya’s traditional knowledge systems, passed down through generations.

“I thank the entire village for upholding the spirit of living in harmony with this dense green environment. For over a century, you’ve nurtured a culture that respects nature and fosters sustainable mobility—even building connections across rivers without harming living trees,” she said.

Highlighting the global relevance of the living root bridges, she remarked, “At a time when the world seeks sustainable solutions, Siej has shown what’s possible through simple, nature-aligned practices. You’ve found a way to survive, move, and grow without harming your surroundings. These indigenous solutions are powerful examples for the world.”

Sitharaman acknowledged community-led efforts to document the living root bridges and seek UNESCO World Heritage status. “This recognition isn’t for show—it’s about telling the world that you pioneered it. Your practices are not only effective but replicable, inspiring others globally.”

She applauded the intergenerational commitment to sustaining this eco-cultural legacy and expressed admiration for the village elders nurturing these living bridges for decades.

“This is a profound example of living with nature and doing the maximum with minimal harm. I feel truly blessed to meet this community, especially the elder who continues to care for this living bridge. The symbolic act of nourishing the roots wasn’t just personal—it was deeply inspiring.”

The Finance Minister also reflected on how the community’s harmony with nature embodies the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently championed environmentally conscious living. “The Prime Minister often urges us to adopt a lifestyle in balance with nature. The living root bridges of Meghalaya prove this vision is already alive in our indigenous communities,” she said.

The visit reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to nature-based solutions, community-led conservation, and the global recognition of India’s traditional ecological knowledge.