FM Sitharaman Hails Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges as Global Model for Sustainability

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised Meghalaya’s iconic living root bridges during her visit to Siej Village, calling them a global model of sustainable living. Commending the community’s nature-aligned practices, she highlighted the importance of preserving traditional ecological knowledge and supported efforts for UNESCO recognition of the bridges. The visit was part of interactions under the Payment for Ecosystem Services programme, backed by the World Bank, KFW, and ADB. Later, in Sohbar village, Sitharaman emphasized development under the Vibrant Villages Programme, announcing priorities like roads, digital access, TV coverage, and electricity for border regions.