Double Decker Natural Bridge
Here the bridges are not built, but are grown, is a place among the world’s most rainy areas, situated in deep of north east of India
The hilly area of Meghalaya has its expansion on the hills of Khasi and Jaintia. This area has tropical climatic conditions of humid, wet and warm. A number of streams of river plays in the lap of lush green mountains has number of and nurtures the land. In this land a special type of Indian rubber tree with very strong roots flourishes.
Ficus elastica is its botanical name, it has a special characteristic that a series of secondary root from its trunk can let it grow on boulders and even in the middle stream of rivers. This characteristics was noticed by local tribes of War-Khasi many a years ago, and started utilizing this property for their advantage by directing and manipulating these secondary roots as per their requirements to create unbelievably strong bridges over number of streams of rivers.
These living bridges are a very rare and unique example of a balance between nature and mankind. This living architecture really tests the patience of human being as it takes about 15 years to grow and built. As the time passes they become stronger and stronger. Some of them are older than 500 years. Once grown fully they can take load of people of more than 50 people at a time.
To grow them in right direction local tribes of region make use of trunk of Betul nut tree. They are sliced in to two half from middle and hollowed to make them act as guiding system for the roots. The tiny roots are placed in them to prevent them fanning out. Ultimately roots make their reach to other side of river and make grip on that side of river.
Out of them there is a unique bridge, which is known as “Umshiang Double Decker Bridge”, featuring two bridges grown one over the other one. It is said that it is the only one of its kind throughout the world. The devotion and dedication of tribes have prevented these tree bridges from being replaced by steel bridges.
Facts to Know:
1. Grown from Indian Rubber Tree.
2. Few are 500 years old.
3. Can carry a weight of more than 50 people at a time once fully grown.
4. Development time 15 years.
5. Protected and grown by tribes of Meghalya.
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