In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living tree into robust bridges across streams. As the time passes these bridges become stronger. These unique ‘Living Root Bridges’ are found in
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Meghalaya
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- In Meghalaya’s Rewai village, the Khasi and Jaintia people create bridges from the intertwined roots of Indian rubber trees.
- These trees produce strong, rope-like aerial roots that can be trained to knit together, forming a scaffold of hollowed-out betel nuts or tied to bamboo stalks.
- It takes several decades for these roots to grow horizontally across steep ravines and river banks.
- Once completed, the living footbridge can support up to 50 people at a time.
- These bridges are incredibly durable, lasting for 500 to 600 years and becoming stronger with age.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
