Nature is Awesome – Part 1

Double-decker Root Bridge

Nature is Awesome. We begin exploring the majesty and grandeur of nature with:

The Living Bridges of Cherrapunji,  India

Cherrapunji has bridges that are built not with brick and concrete — they are grown!  These living bridges or root bridges are a marvel of  bio-engineering.

Another awesome Root Bridge

Cherrapunji is located in Northeast India and made it to the Guinness book of world records  as the wettest place on Planet Earth, because of the record rainfall it receives throughout the year. (though neighbouring Mawsynram now contests that claim).

rootbridge9
(images credit: Satish Krishnamurthy, Creative Commons Licence)

The native Khasi tribe actually  “engineers” this sustainable and environmentally friendly architecture without a University degree in Engineering!

Root Bridges
Root Bridges

In ancient times, tribals needed to cross rivers and improvised a “bridge” using rubber trees.   This technique grew  and was perfected over hundreds of years into an enviable art form.  Now the villagers of Cherrapunji can “grow” their own bridges at will, as required.

Roots entwine to create a bridge
Roots entwine to create a bridge

The  bridges are built from the roots of a rubber tree – Ficus Elastica  which has secondary roots that grow above the surface of the ground and crawl over the earth  and boulders.   The Khasis learned how to mould, shape and guide the roots to grow in the direction they wanted by using betel-tree trunks, sliced down the middle and hollowed out, to create “root-guidance systems.”  This technique  forces the tender roots of the rubber tree to grow straight. Such roots make a strong, living bridges in about 10-15 years.

Bridge formation
(images credit: Vanlal Tochhawng)

The betel nut trunks prevent the tender roots from fanning out, and instead make them grow straight towards the other side of the rivers or water-streams. When they reach the other side of the river, they take root in the soil.   So the roots are literally woven to form a living bridge.  Within  10 to 15 years these bridges become strong enough for use.

Root Bridges

Conventional man-made bridges suffer the ravages of use and grow weaker over time, but because these bridges are alive and the roots are still growing, they actually gain strength over time!  With the passage of time,  these living  bridges become stronger and sturdier.

Suspension Root Bridge
Suspension Root Bridge

Some older bridges can support the weight of over 50 people.    These living bridges can be as long as 100 feet.

Root Bridges moulded and shaped
Root Bridges moulded and shaped

These bridges can also last for centuries. Some of the ancient root bridges in Cherrapunji are used daily by the local people and are estimated to be over 500-years-old.

Worth a visit to Cherrapunji
Worth a visit to Cherrapunji

This engineering feat is achieved without the use of single nail!

Even more astonishing is the “Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge”.  It is believed to be the only one of its kind in the whole world. It has two bridges stacked one over the other!

Double decker bridge
Double-decker bridge

It can be quite challenging to access the double decker bridge.  But it is  a great attraction to  adventure tourists, travellers and hikers who come here from all over the world to experience it first-hand.

Root Bridges are strong!
Root Bridges are strong!

To reach the double decker bridges you need to  hike and walk for a few hours in the dense forests of Cherrapunji.

Man on Double decker bridge
Man on Double-decker bridge (images credit: Jim Ratcliffe)

It is said that you have to cross over 3500 steps across hills and rickety rope pathways to reach this beautiful place; but in the end, it is all worth it!

Zero cost construction project!
Zero cost construction project!  (images credit: Marcus Fornell)

Isn’t it amazing to think of the good things that Nature provides us with?

No multi-million dollar contracts, n0 cement, no concrete, no steel , no substandard materials, no unreliable contractors and no back breaking work to get these bridges functional.  Just a lot of energy savings; as people recognize and use the bounties provided by Mother Nature.

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