Shillong, Jan 29: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, announced on Thursday that India has officially submitted the nomination dossier for the living root bridges of Meghalaya to UNESCO in Paris, aiming for inclusion in the World Heritage list for 2026-27.
The dossier was presented by India's Ambassador to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma, to Lazare Assomo Eloundou, the Director of the World Heritage Centre.
Sangma expressed optimism on social media, stating, "We are hopeful that the living root bridges will be inscribed this year, ensuring that the indigenous communities, the true guardians of this living heritage, receive the global recognition they so richly deserve."
During the submission, Sharma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya for their support in this nomination, as noted in a statement from the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO.
He also recognized the contributions of Meghalaya's Principal Secretary Frederick Kharkongor, the Archaeological Survey of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, experts, and local communities in preserving this heritage and preparing the nomination.
The living root bridges, located on the southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, symbolize a living cultural landscape that has been shaped over centuries by the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities.
According to a statement, "The landscape reflects a deep-rooted and harmonious relationship between people, nature, and spirituality, embodied in traditional systems of land use, governance, and ecological stewardship."
The indigenous perspective that informs this cultural landscape is based on principles of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility towards Mei Ramew (Mother Earth).
The nomination submission highlights India's dedication to recognizing and preserving living cultural traditions and indigenous knowledge systems, while also contributing to global heritage conservation efforts through UNESCO.
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