Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced the nomination in Parliament on March 23.

These living bridges, grown from the pliable roots of rubber fig trees (Ficus elastica) by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities, span streams across the East Khasi and Jaintia Hills, connecting over 75 remote villages in one of the world's wettest regions, according to UNESCO's website.

They symbolise sustainable engineering, enduring floods and monsoons while gaining strength over generations, as highlighted in the nomination dossier submitted to UNESCO's World Heritage Centre.

The 17th-century technique weaves roots over wet trunks, directing growth into functional spans up to 30 metres long, embodying harmony with "Mei Ramew" (Mother Earth).

The site meets UNESCO criteria (i) (iii) and (vi) for cultural landscapes showcasing traditional knowledge.

India's Ambassador to UNESCO Vishal V. Sharma formally handed the dossier to Director Lazare Assomo Eloundou earlier this year, with Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma expressing optimism for inscription.

This follows years of preparation by the Archaeological Survey of India and local stakeholders, alongside Sarnath's parallel bid for 2025-26.

Approval would elevate global recognition of Northeast India's biocultural heritage, boosting ecotourism while preserving community practices.