Living root bridges show the way to sustainable future: FM Sitharaman

FOR over a hundred years, you have maintained a culture that respects nature and fosters sustainable mobility -- even finding ways to connect across rivers without violating the living trees, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during her visit to the iconic living root bridge in Siej Village, East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.

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The minister was in the state to interact with village elders, local leaders, and beneficiaries of the Payment for Ecosystem Services programme, which is supported by the World Bank, KEW, and ADB.

This initiative helps protect age-old ecological practices, followed by indigenous communities.

Praising the community's deep connection with nature, FM Sitharaman said that the living root bridges of Meghalaya are a shining example of how traditional knowledge can offer global solutions.

“At a time when the world is searching for sustainable solutions, the people of Siej have shown what is possible through simple, nature-aligned practices,” she said.