‘Living Root Bridges’ in State an indigenous innovation: NIF

From A Reporter

SHILLONG, Feb 27: The tiol Innovation Foundation (NIF) has identified the ‘Living Root Bridges’ in Meghalaya as an indigenous innovation to be nomited for the tiol Level recognition Award in Delhi on March 4.

This war informed by Kit Swer official of the Meghalaya Basin Authority during a press conference on the tiol Science Day celebration, which will be held in the city on ‘Regiol Innovators Conclave’ starting from 28th February to 3nd March, 2017 at State Central Library, Shillong from 10:00 AM onwards.

The event will be iugurated by the Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Dr RC Laloo on February 28.

Addressing reporters here on Monday, Swer informed that the NIF has done its scouting and has identified the ‘Living Root Bridges’ as one area of innovation that they will nomite for the award this year.

He further informed that the nomition is under the 9th biennial competition of the tiol Innovation Foundation.

“The recognition is not for any single community but is for all communities who are engaged in growing living root bridges in the state. The recognition will be at tiol level however we do not know just yet who will confer the recognition,” he said.

Stating that Meghalaya is very unique in having the ‘Living Root Bridges’, he said, “When we look at places where tourism have maged to penetrate in a large extent we have a concern that if insufficient knowledge does not go to these people about preserving these root bridges then there is a huge chance that we might lose these heritage from our state.”

He said some of the communities engaged in growing living root bridges include Nongriat, Nohwet (Riwai, Mawlynnong), Kudang Rim, Nongthymmai, Mawkyrnot, Nongblai, Khonglah, Padu, and Shnongpdeng.

“There are many lesser known communities that grow living root bridges that we are yet to identify, “he said.

The first day of the celebration will kick start with a Science March from 9.30AM from the State Central Library which will be participated by school students including the general public.