THE LIVING ROOT BRIDGES OF CHERRAPUNJI

 

Cherrapunji  was the wettest place on earth but now the title is hold by a near by village Mawsinram. But it still holds the title of most rain fall per calendar year on the planet with a record rainfall of 26000 mm of rain. The area thrives with life and is rich in flora and fauna. Many species of animals are endemic to this area and is found no where else in the world. The area is surrounded by the Khasi and the Jaintia hills.On these hills grows a species of Indian rubber tree with strong roots. The tribes of the area long ago noticed the peculiar characteristics of the root and found an opportunity to direct the growth of roots to form a bridge so that they can easily cross the rivers. There are at least a dozen of root bridges in the area and when ever the need arises the natives simply grows the bridge. Some of the bridges in Cherrapunji are double decker bridges.

In order to make the rubber tree's roots grow in the right direction roots of the rubber tree are simply pulled, tied, twisted and encouraged by hand to merge with each other until over time they form the desired bridge shape. Some times even supports made of wood and bamboo tree are used to direct the growth of the roots.  The life of the bridge depends upon the life of the tree and the roots can grow as long as the tree is healthy. Over time the root bridge get more strong as the roots gets strong with age of the tree. Some root bridges can support even 50 or more people.