India submits Meghalaya’s living root bridges to UNESCO for world heritage Status

New Delhi, Jan 29, 2026 : Meghalaya has moved a step closer to global recognition of its unique living heritage, with India formally submitting the nomination dossier of the State’s living root bridges, titled “Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape”, to UNESCO for consideration under the 2026-27 World Heritage evaluation cycle.

The dossier was submitted by India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, to the Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, Lazare Assomo Eloundou.

The nominated cultural landscape extends across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and showcases a remarkable living tradition developed and sustained by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities over centuries. It reflects a deep connection between people, nature and belief systems, expressed through traditional land management practices, community governance and sustainable ecological stewardship.

At the heart of the nomination are the living root bridges, which embody the indigenous philosophy of coexistence with nature and reverence for Mei Ramew, or Mother Earth.

Ambassador Sharma acknowledged the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Union Minister for Culture, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, and the contributions of the Archaeological Survey of India, the Ministry of External Affairs and the local communities who continue to protect and nurture this heritage.

The submission highlights India’s commitment to preserving living cultural landscapes and advancing international heritage conservation efforts through UNESCO.