(Daily News Scan - DNS English) Living Root Bridges
Why in News?
Researchers from Germany investigated the Living Root Bridges structures and proposed to integrate them into modern architecture around the world.
What are Living Root Bridges?
Living Root Bridges are aerial bridges, which are built by weaving and manipulating the roots of the Indian rubber tree. Spanning between 15 and 250 feet, the bridges take centuries to build. The Living Root Bridges mainly used for crossing streams and rivers for generations in Meghalaya.
The bridges are made and maintained by individuals, families, and communities from the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia people. It has now become a famous tourist attraction in Meghalaya and it has the potential to make cities more environment-friendly.
A recent study about the Living Root Bridges:
A group of researchers from Germany investigated 77 bridges over 3 years from 2015 in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. The study was published in the journal named “Scientific Reports”.
The study was conducted using the structural properties, history and maintenance, morphology and ecological significance of the Living Root Bridges. The research suggests that:
- The bridges can be a reference point for future botanical architecture projects in urban areas.
- The traditional techniques of the Khasi people would help to promote the development of modern architecture.
- The study gives importance to the field of research called “Baubotanik” that promotes the use of plants as living building materials in structures.
- This unique building technique can help facilitate “better adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
- The growth history of the Living Root Bridges will help us to understand the current state of the bridges. this will help us to design future growth or repairs, or growth of other bridges.
Can the bridges be replicated elsewhere?
- At present, we are in the early phase of this research. There is a need to transfer the idea, so as to make it a reality. At present, there are no concrete plans for the projects yet.
- The most important concern regarding these bridges to be replicated in urban areas is its survivability in other weather conditions.
- For example, increasing pollution and tourism are leading to the deteriorating health of certain root bridges in Meghalaya like the Riwai Root Bridge and Umshiang Double Decker Bridge.
- The introduction of modern architecture such as new concrete footpaths, buildings, etc around the living root bridge that have impacted that bridge health.
Way Ahead:
The researchers are of the opinion that the basic idea is feasible. As the researchers believe that the Ficus Elastica plant (Rubber plant) is very robust by nature.
Few measures are also required to be taken like civic planning, good governance, preventing people from damaging the bridge, etc.
So, the feasibility of the Living Root Bridges in urban areas carries no technical impediment and can be viewed as a potential to make cities more environment-friendly.
