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Khasi bioengineering

The Khasis have developed a means of crossing the fast-flowing streams that separate their villages by taking advantage of the growth habits of the native rubber tree (Ficus elastica), which is indigenous to the region and usually grows among rocks next to water. The tree, which is well adapted to the local conditions of heavy rainfall and high erosion, is epiphytic (growing on other plants) in its juvenile stages, and its secondary roots always grow towards the light. It’s this characteristic that the Khasis exploit, training these roots to spread laterally along hollowed-out trunks of betel palm that have been placed across the stream.

Once the roots have been trained across the stream bed, they anchor in the soil of the opposite bank, providing the foundations for a living bridge. Usually, several roots are threaded together for strength, while others provide handrails and supports for longer spans. Flat stones from the stream bed are used to fill gaps in the bridge floor and, in time, these are engulfed by woody growth and become part of the fabric of the bridge itself.

A root bridge takes around 20 years to become fully functional. Once complete, however, it will probably last for several hundred years and, unlike its non-living counterparts, will actually increase in strength with age.

Known in the Khasi language as jingkieng deingjri (‘bridge of the rubber tree’), the bridges may be anywhere from ten to 30 metres in span. Unlike most artificial structures, they are able to withstand the high level of soil erosion brought about by monsoon rains and, being living material rather than dead wood, are resistant to the ravages of termites.

Uploaded on Mar 27, 2011

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Elefanta Fall

Uploaded on Mar 27, 2011

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Bada pani; Shillong

Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani (Big Water) is a spot around 17 Km from Shillong where a massive hydro-electric dam has been constructed across the Umiam river stream. The Lake is popular for the Water Sport and adventure facilities that it offers. Kayaking, Water cycling/ scooting and boating are a few of the facilities available at the Umiam Lake. The Lake has been developed as a tourist spot by the State authorities and the Meghalaya Tourism Department, runs the Orchid Tourist home overlooking the lake. Don't miss the chance to order a sumptuous spread from the floating restaurant with ferry services.

Uploaded on Mar 9, 2011

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