UPSC Prelims 2015 Q69: Environment & Ecology – Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry
In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living trees into robust
bridges across the streams. As the time passes, these bridges become stronger. These unique
'living root bridges' are found in
- (a) Meghalaya
- (b) Himachal Pradesh
- (c) Jharkhand
- (d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (a) Meghalaya
Explanation
Living root bridges
Living root bridges are found in Meghalaya.
The Khasi and Jaintia people grow them from the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica).
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| How made | Roots are guided across a stream, often through hollow betel nut trunks |
| Time to form | About 15 to 20 years |
| Life | Can last for centuries, growing stronger with age |
| Why needed | One of the wettest regions on Earth; wooden bridges rot quickly |
| Famous example | Double-decker root bridge at Nongriat, near Cherrapunji |
The other options: Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu have no such tradition.
Locally the bridges are called jingkieng jri.
Answer: (a) Meghalaya.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Living root bridges are found in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.
- (b) Incorrect. Himachal Pradesh has no living root bridges.
- (c) Incorrect. Jharkhand has no such living root bridges.
- (d) Incorrect. Tamil Nadu has no such living root bridges.
Key point
Living root bridges: Meghalaya (Khasi and Jaintia Hills); grown from aerial roots of the rubber fig; double-decker bridge at Nongriat.
Remember
Living root bridges = Meghalaya (Khasi, Jaintia).
Common mistakes
- Guessing Jharkhand because of its tribal population.
- Not linking the bridges to the heavy rain of Cherrapunji and Mawsynram.
- Thinking the bridges are built; they are grown.
Exam tip
Wettest place + living bridges = Meghalaya.
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Jingkieng Jri: Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscapes (Tentative List)
- Meghalaya Tourism — Living Root Bridges